Teak - The complete maintenance guide

Congratulations on your new teak furniture!

This guide will show you how to best care for your teak furniture so it remains beautiful and functional for years to come. Teak is a robust and durable material that, with proper care, can last for generations.

Contents:

What is Teak, and Why Is It So Popular for Outdoor Furniture?

Teak is a naturally oily hardwood that is ideal for outdoor use. It is highly resistant to moisture, mold, sunlight, and temperature changes. These properties make it a favorite for garden furniture, combining durability with a distinct look.

Benefits of teak:

  • Long lifespan and strength
  • Natural protection against wind, weather, and UV rays
  • Minimal maintenance required
  • Unfinished teak naturally develops a beautiful silver-gray patina over time
  • Can be oiled to maintain a warm, golden appearance

Color Variations and Patina

Teak furniture from SACKit is made from untreated teak wood, which naturally varies in color depending on the oil content and density of the wood. This can result in darker or reddish areas in the wood. These variations are completely normal and will even out over time when exposed to sunlight and air.

You can expect the teak furniture to develop a more uniform color within the first few weeks. If left untreated, it will gradually take on a silver-gray patina, which many people prefer.

Maintenance: Patina or Oil?

Teak is known for its beautiful appearance and long durability due to the natural oils in the wood. Over time, teak will change in appearance—and you can decide the direction it takes: let it age naturally and develop a refined silver-gray patina, or maintain it with oil to preserve its warm, golden hue. Below you’ll find more about each option to help you choose the best solution for your outdoor setting and style.

Option 1
Letting It Naturally Develop a Silver-Gray Patina

When left untreated outdoors, teak wood will naturally develop a beautiful, silver-gray patina over time. This transformation is caused by exposure to sunlight, rain, and oxygen. The gray color is not a sign of deterioration – on the contrary, it demonstrates the wood’s resilience and graceful aging.

If you prefer the natural patina, simply leave the furniture untreated and clean it occasionally with mild soap and a brush to remove dirt and algae.

Tips for even patina development:

  • Avoid oil or other treatments
  • Ensure even exposure to sunlight and rain
  • Clean regularly with mild soapy water
  • Move furniture occasionally for balanced light exposure

Option 2
Oil Treatment

If you prefer to retain the teak wood’s original warm, golden tone, you can treat it with a specially designed teak oil. The oil enhances the wood’s grain and depth of color while protecting it from drying out and accumulating dirt.

We recommend applying oil once or twice a year – preferably after a thorough cleaning and when the wood is completely dry. This will ensure your furniture keeps its vibrant and inviting look year after year.

Below you can read our guide to oiling your teak garden furniture.

Oiling Teak Outdoor Furniture

As part of the maintenance of your teak furniture, you can give it an oil treatment. The right oil penetrates deep into the wood and creates a protective barrier against moisture, UV rays and other harmful elements, while preserving the natural look and durability of the wood.

Note: Oil treatment is not a necessity, but can be used if you want to preserve the appearance of the wood and protect it from the elements.

Before oiling:

  1. Preparation: Make sure the teak furniture is completely dry before you start cleaning.
  2. Applying cleaner: We recommend using the specially developed cleaner from the SACKit Teak Care Kit. Apply the cleaner evenly over the wood surface.
  3. Work the cleaner in: Massage the cleaner thoroughly into the wood to remove dirt and contaminants. This will also revive the natural glow of the wood.
  4. Drying: Allow the furniture to dry completely after cleaning to ensure all moisture has evaporated.
  5. Preparation for oil treatment: Once dry, the furniture is ready for the subsequent oil treatment to protect and preserve the beauty of the wood.

Tip: Choose a dry day with temperatures between 15-25 degrees for optimal cleaning.

Application of teak oil

  1. Ensure dryness: Check that the wood is 100% dry and free from moisture to avoid mold and discoloration.
  2. Temperature control: Apply the oil at a temperature between 15-25 degrees to ensure effective cleaning and proper oil absorption.
  3. Oil selection: We recommend using the custom-made teak oil from Rubio Monocoat, available in our all-in-one Teak Care Kit.
  4. Application of oil: Rub the oil into the surface of the wood with the included sponge, following the grain direction of the wood.
  5. Oil distribution: Make sure the oil layer is evenly distributed and not too thick.
  6. Drying: Allow furniture to dry completely after treatment to ensure maximum protection and extended lifetime.

Important: If the surface is dirty during oiling, black spots may occur.

Note:

SACKit cannot be held responsible for results when using products other than the SACKit Teak Care Kit. This kit is specially developed to provide optimal care and maintenance for your teak furniture. Using other brands may compromise the wood’s quality and appearance, as they may not be formulated for teak’s unique properties.

Sanding for a Smooth Finish

Sanding can be part of your maintenance routine to extend the life of your teak furniture and restore its smooth finish.

Always use fine sandpaper with a grit between 180 and 240. This fine grit will help remove uneven areas and restore a silky-smooth feel without damaging the surface. Always sand in the direction of the grain to preserve the natural structure of the wood.

Proper sanding also prepares the surface for oiling. Sand gently without too much pressure to avoid unevenness. If you plan to oil afterward, be sure to clean the wood first. See the section "Oiling Teak Outdoor Furniture" for instructions.

Alternative maintenance with soap flakes

Soap flakes are a natural and effective way to maintain teak furniture that brings out the natural beauty of the wood. When used regularly, soap flakes help maintain the smooth surface of the wood and protect against harmful elements such as moisture and dirt. This method is gentle on the wood and preserves its natural colour and texture while extending the life of the furniture.

  1. Preparation: Dissolve 2 dl of soap flakes in 1 liter of warm water. Store the thick mixture overnight.
  2. Cleaning: Apply the mixture with a cloth, let it soak into the wood for 15-20 minutes.
  3. Finishing: Rinse the furniture thoroughly and apply a new layer to soak for 30 minutes.
  4. Repeating: Repeat the procedure 1-3 times for new furniture for optimal protection.

This method is simple, effective and requires no chemicals.

Remember to care for your teak furniture regularly to maintain its long-lasting beauty and robustness.

Preventing and Removing Black Spots

Black spots are typically caused by moisture, mold, dirt, or pollen.

Prevention: Ensure good airflow and avoid constant dampness.

Removal methods:

  • Mix vinegar and water (1:1), scrub with a soft brush
  • Use foam from soap
  • Mild bleach solution to remove
  • For stubborn spots: Light sanding with sandpaper (grit 180–240)

Winter storage: How to protect your teak furniture

Although teak is strong and weather-resistant, proper winter storage helps preserve its structure even longer. If possible, store your teak furniture in an unheated space like a garage or basement to protect it from harsh winter elements. Avoid heated storage, as temperature fluctuations can damage the wood.

No indoor space available? Place the furniture on a raised surface – like pallets or wooden blocks – to minimize contact with ground moisture or snow, which can cause damage.

Final Tips

  • Teak is a living material and changes naturally over time
  • Use oil treatment if you want to retain the wood’s warm, golden color
  • Regular cleaning and proper storage will prolong your furniture’s life

Any questions? Contact us – we’re happy to help!