Teak is an ideal material for outdoor furniture. While teak is known to be very weather resistant, it is recommended to take certain steps to protect your outdoor furniture from sun exposure and excessive moisture.
If properly cared for, these items will last for many years. This is because teak oil, which is infused into the wood, is a natural preservative that provides exceptional rot resistance.
Here we are going to give you several simple tactics to waterproof outdoor teak furniture.
1. Clean your furniture periodically
Your outdoor furniture is likely to be used a lot in the summer months and therefore cleaned more frequently. However, when the rainier seasons come and you don’t spend as much time outdoors, you may find it easier to neglect regular cleaning.
The cleaning process is the first line of defense in protecting your teak furniture from the weather and elements. The good news is that it’s easier to clean outdoor teak furniture in a matter of minutes.
To perform this regular cleaning, you need a simple mixture of soap and water. There are many specialty teak cleaning products on the market, but soap and water will generally give you the same results.
2. Apply Teak Sealer Annually
This aspect is key to maintaining teak furniture. Teak sealer provides a thin waterproof coating to the wood that prevents rain and moisture from entering through small openings.
In addition to protecting your furniture from water, sealer maintains the natural color of teak. Most sealers contain a UV blocker to prevent fading and bleaching from the sun.
3. Use Teak Furniture Covers
If you don’t typically use your outdoor furniture during certain months, use a cover to protect the wood.
Furniture covers are a considerable investment, but they protect your outdoor furniture from a number of hazards. In addition to rain and moisture, these covers protect your teak furniture from flying objects like branches and other debris. It’s important to note that they provide some breathability. While covers should protect furniture from water, they should not be 100% waterproof.
4. Remove standing moisture quickly
Standing water and teak furniture don’t mix well. When teak materials are exposed to high levels of humidity for extended periods, they can absorb water, leading to warping, cracking, or even splitting. Additionally, teak can develop mold and mildew, even though it is relatively resistant to both.
Moisture left on outdoor furniture can also lead to water stains and discoloration of the wood. Even if you use a teak sealer for your outdoor furniture, remove any built-up moisture as soon as possible to prevent discoloration.