Teak furniture

Teak (Tectona grandis) is a dense tropical hardwood with natural oils and silica in its grain. That is why it sheds water, barely moves with changes in humidity and weathers better than almost any other timber.

It is the timber of boat decks and hotel terraces: it stands up to sun, rain and daily use, indoors and out.

Indoors, a damp cloth is enough, with mild soap and water now and then. Dry it afterwards with a clean cloth.

Outdoors, wash it two or three times a year with warm water, mild soap and a soft brush, always along the grain, then rinse with water.

Avoid bleach, solvents and pressure washers: they raise the grain and leave the surface rough.

Teak does not need oil to last. Oil only changes the colour: it keeps the honey tone of new timber.

If you prefer that tone, clean the piece, let it dry completely and apply a thin coat of teak oil with a cloth. Wipe off the excess after a few minutes, as the oil's maker advises, so it does not stay tacky. Repeat once or twice a year, or when the timber starts to pale.

In a hotel or restaurant it often pays to let the terrace take on its grey patina: upkeep then comes down to cleaning.

In sun and rain, teak loses its honey tone within a few months and turns silver-grey. It is a change of colour on the surface, not decay: the timber stays just as strong.

To bring the colour back, clean the piece with a dedicated teak cleaner or sand it lightly along the grain with fine paper, then apply oil.