TEAK PATIO FURNITURE CARE
Teak General Maintenance
As a premium outdoor furniture material, teak wood's natural resistance to water and insects make it an excellent choice for outdoor use, but even the strongest materials benefit from maintenance and general care. Ensure the life of your teak outdoor furniture is never short a one with our easy-to-follow furniture care instructions, informational guides, and answers to all of your teak related questions.
Ensure the life of your teak outdoor furniture is never short a one with our easy-to-follow furniture care instructions, informational guides, and answers to all of your teak related questions.
Day-to-Day Teak Furniture Care:
To keep your teak in mint condition, regular cleanings and proper storage is essential. Follow the guidelines below to preserve the finish and maintain your teak furniture's seal.
Wear & tear is normal and manageable. Reseal your teak once a year to maintain the natural finish.
Never use bleach, a brass brush, a pressure washer, or steel wool to clean teak. These will damage or discolor the surface of the wood.
Use a mild detergent such as dish soap mixed with water and a sponge or soft scrub brush to clean your teak products as needed.
Food stains or other soils that are not removed by cleaning with a mild detergent can be removed with our deep cleaner - Semco Teak cleaner.
TEAK CHECKING
Over time, teak products will develop small cracks on the surface of the wood. It a part of teak wood's natural aging process that can be minimized and repaired with the right tools and care. Learn what causes teak checking and how to repair it below.
What is teak checking?
Teak checking refers to the small cracks, also called "checks," that appear on the surface of teak wood, especially on the end grain (the cut ends of boards or furniture legs). These small cracks or "checks" are part of teak's natural aging process.
Why does teak checking happens?
- Moisture changes: Teak expands when it absorbs moisture and contracts when it dries out. When this drying happens too quickly, the outer layers can shrink faster than the inner layers, causing small surface cracks.
- End grain vulnerability: The end grain is more porous and loses moisture faster than the rest of the wood, making it especially prone to checking.
- Age: Teak is rich in natural oils that help protect it from drying and cracking. As teak ages, these oils migrate inward or get washed out, especially if the teak is left unsealed for long periods of time.
How to minimize teak checking?
- Use Semco Teak Sealer: Teak sealer helps regulate moisture loss (though some prefer to let teak weather naturally).
- Keep furniture shaded: Reduce exposure to intense sunlight and wind to help prevent your teak from drying out.
- Avoid sudden drying: Don’t move freshly wet teak furniture into direct sun to dry. Allow it to dry over time in indirect sunlight.
- Use furniture covers in extreme weather: Covers protect against sun and moisture swings. We recommend always keeping your patio furniture covered when its not in use, but espeically teak, to minimize checking and increase the lifespan of your outdoor furniture and accessories.
How to fix teak checking?
To repair teak checking, you'll need Epoxy glue or exterior wood glue and 120-grit sandpaper.
STEP 1
Clean you teak furniture with water, dish soap, and a soft sponge.
STEP 2
Mix the glue and sawdust into a paste.
STEP 3
Spackle the paste into the crack, working against the woodgrain.
STEP 4
Let the paste dry for 24 hours.
STEP 5
Sand and seal your teak furniture. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 as necessary.
HOW TEAK AGES
Teak changes color over time if left unsealed:
HOW TO PRESERVE TEAK
To preserve teak's natural finish, apply Semco Teak Sealer once every 6-9 months. Avoid using varnish or polyurethane as these will chip and peel.
When should you apply teak sealer?
Generally, we recommend resealing your teak once or twice a year to preserve the finish. Refer to the chart below for more specific sealing information:
| Weather Conditions | Sealing Frequency |
| Full sun, hot/dry climate | Every 6–9 months |
| Moderate weather | Every 12 months |
| Covered or shaded area | Every 12–18 months |
| You prefer weathering | Not necessary |
How to re-seal teak?
Step 1. Wash your teak with water, a mild detergent, and a soft sponge to remove any dirt and debris. If any stains or soil remain, sand lightly with fine sandpaper to remove the mark. If this method does not remove a stain you may have to use the Restoring directions.
Step 2. Ensure that the wood is completely dry before applying the sealer.
Step 3. Apply a single coat of Semco Teak Sealer using a plastic spray bottle, brush, or rag. Apply liberally and wipe off the excess with a rag. One coat should be sufficient to recoat in most applications.
HOW TO RESTORE TEAK
If your teak has been allowed to patina, stained, or if you wish to remove the sealer, the Semco Teak Cleaner will restore the wood to like new condition.
How often can I use the Semco Teak Cleaner?
While the Semco Teak Cleaner can be used any time you would like to restore your teak to its original state, we do not recommend using Semco Teak Cleaner as a daily maintenance cleaner as it may contribute to the wood becoming rougher over time.
How to use the Semco Teak Cleaner?
Step 1. Wet the wood with a hose and keep the wood wet during the entire process.
Step 2. Apply Part 1 of the cleaner to one small area at a time.
Step 3. Use a sponge or soft scrub brush to clean the area.
Step 4. Rinse and rewet your teak.
Step 5. Apply the Part 2 of the Semco Teak Cleaner to the same area and scrub lightly with a clean sponge.
Step 6. Repeat steps 2 through 5 on the next small area. Working from top to bottom. Larger areas can be worked by using a garden type sprayer to apply the cleaners.
Step 7. Rinse thoroughly with water. Repeat the process on any stubborn stains. The wood will lighten as it dries.
SHOP TEAK PATIO FURNITURE
Explore new and best-selling teak outdoor furniture collections
CASTELLO COLLECTION
Available in: Seating, Dining, & Lounge
GRAND BANKS COLLECTION
Available in: Seating
EASTCHESTER COLLECTION
Available in: Dining
HAMPTON COLLECTION
Available in: Seating, Dining, & Lounge
PEMBROKE COLLECTION
Available in: Dining
WARWICK COLLECTION
Available in: Dining
CASTELLO COLLECTION
Available in: Seating, Dining, & Lounge
GRAND BANKS COLLECTION
Available in: Seating
EASTCHESTER COLLECTION
Available in: Dining
HAMPTON COLLECTION
Available in: Seating, Dining, & Lounge
PEMBROKE COLLECTION
Available in: Dining
WARWICK COLLECTION
Available in: Dining
PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT
Protect your teak patio furniture's finish with commercial-grade furniture covers when it's not in use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do teak products come with a warranty?
Yes, all teak products come with a manufacturer's limited warranty. See the product description for more information about your product's warranty and what's covered.
What are teak grades?
Teak grades rate the look of the wood, and they have no bearing on the quality or performance. Grade A teak has the fewest grain imperfections while Grade C has the most grain imperfections.
Will my teak purchase turn grey?
Not necessarily. Teak only turns grey or patinas when it is not properly maintained. For help maintaining your teak or restoring weathered teak, read the "How to Preserve" and "How to Restore" sections above.
How long does teak outdoor furniture last?
Most teak warranties last up to three years, but with proper care, teak outdoor furniture can last 10+ years outdoors.
Can teak furniture stay outside year-round?
Yes, but we recommend using furniture covers when your teak isn't in use and performing seasonal maintenance (cleaning, sealing, tightening screws) to extend its lifespan and preserve its appearance.
