Teak is one of the most beautiful and durable woods for outdoor use. It naturally contains oil, which helps it withstand the Dutch weather. With a little care each season, your teak garden set will stay beautiful for decades.
In short
- Doing nothing is allowed: untreated teak turns silver-grey within a few weeks to months. This is purely a colour change; the wood does not deteriorate.
- Cleaning: clean it 1 to 2 times a year with a teak cleaner, especially if there are black spots.
- Protection: if you want to keep the colour or grey even, treat the wood before winter and at the start of the season.
Why does teak discolour?
New teak is golden brown. Sun and rain gradually turn the outside of the wood silver-grey. If left untreated, it can become dark grey or even greenish over time. Small hairline cracks and a slightly rougher grain are also normal: the wood reacts to the weather. This is cosmetic; the quality and strength of the teak remain unchanged.
Cleaning teak
- Sweep away loose dirt and leaves and wet the wood.
- Apply a teak cleaner, such as the Apple Bee Teak Cleaner. It removes dirt, grease, and the mould and algae that cause black spots.
- Brush gently with the grain using a soft brush and rinse thoroughly with clean water.
- Let the wood dry completely before applying a protector.
Black spots? These are almost always mould or algae in the wood, not dirt. A teak cleaner will solve this. Stubborn spots can be carefully sanded by hand.
Silver-grey or warm honey brown?
You want the silver-grey look
First, leave the wood outside for a few weeks so that it turns evenly grey. Then treat it with Apple Bee Teak Shield: it protects against dirt, water, algae and mould, and keeps the grey colour beautifully even. Apple Bee recommends:
- Apply Teak Shield to clean, completely dry wood with a soft, lint-free cloth.
- Apply a second coat after about 4 hours and let everything dry for 24 hours before it gets wet again.
- Once a year is usually enough; twice a year in a damp environment.
You want to keep the warm brown colour
Then use a teak colour restorer, preferably before the wood turns grey. Apply it in a thin layer with a lint-free cloth, not with a sponge or spray. Never apply a colour restorer over teak oil: first clean oiled wood with a teak cleaner.
Prefer no oil? Teak oil quickly gives a beautiful colour, but can become sticky and cause stains. A water-based protector such as Teak Shield is easier to maintain.
Smoothing rough teak
Does the wood feel rough after a few years? Then sand it by hand with very fine sandpaper, following the grain. Do not use a sander: it can leave black streaks in the wood. Wipe away the dust with a dry sponge and then treat the wood again.
Before and after winter
- Clean the wood and treat it before winter and at the start of the season.
- Teak can easily overwinter outdoors. If you use a cover, choose a breathable protective cover and make sure the wood is dry before putting it on.
- Avoid placing the furniture directly in a puddle or on wet ground.
Useful products
Important when treating: work in a well-ventilated area, avoid contact with skin and eyes, and cover grass, plants and tiles with plastic. If wet product gets on aluminium or fabric, rinse it off immediately with water.
Frequently asked questions
Should I treat teak?
No. Untreated teak also lasts for decades and naturally turns silver-grey. You treat it for appearance: to prevent spots and keep the colour even.
How often should I clean teak?
Once or twice a year is usually enough: at the start of the season and before winter. If the furniture is under trees or in a damp corner, a little more often.
Can I use a pressure washer?
It is better not to. The hard jet loosens the soft parts of the wood, making it rough and uneven. A soft brush with teak cleaner works better.
Can teak stay outside in winter?
Yes, teak can withstand frost and rain. Clean and dry it before winter, and use a breathable cover if necessary.
