Naturally beautiful and strong, teak is a popular choice for premium outdoor furniture. When left untreated, however, teak furniture can begin to deteriorate and turn gray. Can your old, discolored teak furniture be restored? Definitely, says Chris Putrimas, president of Dr. Teak and Los Angeles teak furniture expert. Teak, he says, is extremely resilient. Using the right restorative process and then following up with a coat of protective sealer is the best way to get your furniture back into shape and keep it looking great for a long time to come.
Teak Basics
Thanks to its durability and timeless beauty, teak has been used for centuries in boats and furniture the world over. In the United States, teak is commonly used in premium outdoor furniture. Teak furniture does, however, require some professional attention now and then in order to retain or restore its natural beauty. Long-term exposure to moisture, dirt and sunlight cause the wood to become dull and discolored. Luckily, if you’ve acquired a piece of older teak furniture, there is a good chance it can be brought back to life with the right restorative techniques.
The Weathering Process
All wood furniture, Putrimas says, goes through a weathering process when exposed to the elements. “Wood is quite porous,” he explains, “so it allows water to soak into the grain when it rains, expanding it.” When the sun comes out and the furniture dries, he says, the wood contracts. Over time, this expansion and contraction causes the wood to become brittle and to lose its color, changing to a grayish shade.
In Los Angeles in particular, Putrimas says, this weathering process can be altered and even accelerated by factors like pollution, salty air and extra sunlight. “While teak furniture can sometimes weather beautifully,” he says, “in LA, the wood tends to take on a dirty gray look rather than a desirable silver shade. Sometimes it can even become moldy.”
Reversing the Process
One of the best things about wood furniture, Putrimas says, is its longevity. “Graying is really only a cosmetic issue,” he explains. “Your furniture is probably still perfectly fine from a structural point of view.” To restore old, discolored teak furniture, it is necessary first to wash the wood thoroughly using special solutions and techniques to remove dirt, grime, mold and other contaminants from the grain. Because this process affects the wood’s texture, once the wood has been cleaned, it should be sanded back to its natural texture. With very old furniture, multiple levels of sanding may be required. Once the teak has been restored to its clean, natural state, a sealer should be applied. Marine-grade, oil-based sealers, Putrimas says, are often the best choices for teak furniture.
Protecting Your Investment
Once your old furniture has been restored, Putrimas says, the best way to keep it looking its best for years to come is to apply a sealer regularly. “We recommend using sealer at least annually,” he says, “depending on where your furniture is located and how it’s used. It really needs to be re-applied every six to 12 months to get the best results.”
Covers can also be used to keep teak furniture protected from the elements. If you do choose to use covers, Putrimas says, be sure that the covers you choose allow for adequate ventilation and are equipped to handle the environment. Dr. Teak offers a range of furniture covers designed specifically to protect specialty wood furniture.