Teak furniture is made of tropical hardwood and has an unmistakable rich, honey hue that can gradually turn silver gray with time. Teak's natural oil makes it durable and resilient, as well as naturally resistant to rot, insects, and outdoor elements. Teak is also lightweight, making it a wonderful option for outdoor furniture that can be easily moved about and rearranged.
Despite its natural resilience, teak must be properly cared for and maintained for optimal durability and aesthetics and so it can withstand the elements. Winter temperatures can dry out teak's natural oils and can even contribute to cracking or splitting of the wood. To prevent cracking and splitting damage, make sure your teak outdoor furniture has an extra coating of oil for winter and, if possible, bring your teak furniture indoors during the winter. Keeping your teak oiled during winter can prevent precipitation from seeping into any cracks and subsequently expanding the inside of the wood.
It's also important to keep your teak outdoor furniture free of dirt and moss build-up. Wash your furniture occasionally with mild soap and water by hand. Never use a power washer or garden hose and avoid using excess moisture. Follow manufacturer's maintenance and cleaning instructions.
For more information on how to maintain your outdoor furniture on your Northern Virginia deck, contact Deck Doctor LLC. Deck Doctor specializes in deck design, construction, washing, staining, and sealing, as well as screened porches and gazebos, serving such communities as Oakton, Alexandria, and Gainesville.
