Teak - The complete maintenance guide

Congratulations on your new teak furniture!
This is a guide on how to take the best care of it.

Teak is a robust and durable material that with proper care can last for generations. In this guide, you will gain insight into what to look out for when you receive teak garden furniture and how to maintain it so that it retains its natural look year after year.

When you receive your furniture

Teak furniture from SACKit is made from untreated teak wood, which naturally varies in color. These differences even out over time. On the left is a Kirra Patio Chair as it may look when it arrives and on the right is the same chair 4 weeks later.

Why you should choose teak for your garden furniture

Teak is not only incredibly beautiful, it's also one of the most durable materials for outdoor furniture. When you invest in teak garden furniture, you get:

Durability and longevity
Natural resistance to wind and weather
Built-in protection against UV radiation
Optimal resistance to moisture and rot
Timeless design that only gets more beautiful with age
Minimal maintenance compared to other types of wood

This makes teak the perfect investment for those who want durable garden furniture with character and want to minimize long-term maintenance.

Cleaning and preparation of teak wood

Preparation: Make sure the teak furniture is completely dry before you start cleaning.
Applying cleaner: We recommend using the specially developed cleaner from the SACKit Teak Care Kit. Apply the cleaner evenly over the wood surface.
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.
Drying: Allow the furniture to dry completely after cleaning to ensure all moisture has evaporated.
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

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.

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

Teak Care Kit

Care products for outdoor teak furniture

Expected delivery: 2-5 business daysPre-order. Expected in stock:: 2-3 days

View product details

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.

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

Sanding for a smooth surface

To ensure your teak garden furniture has a long life and beautiful finish, sanding can be used as part of maintenance.

Always choose fine sandpaper with a grit size between 180 and 240.

Using this fine-grained sandpaper will help remove imperfections and restore the smooth, silky feel of the furniture without damaging the wood surface. Remember to follow the direction of the grain to preserve the natural structure of the wood.

The aesthetics of teak wood really come into their own after proper sanding, which also prepares the surface for any subsequent oil treatment. When sanding, avoid applying too much pressure as this can make the surface uneven.

Winter storage: How to protect your teak furniture

Although teak is robust and weather-resistant, its structure can be preserved longer with proper winter storage. If possible, you should store your teak garden furniture indoors to protect it from the harshest winter elements. Alternatively, you may want to protect the furniture with a cover. However, be aware that plastic covers can retain moisture, which can damage the wood. Make sure any covers allow water drainage and air circulation to avoid humid conditions that can damage the wood.

A good tip is to place the furniture on a raised surface - such as pallets or wooden blocks - to limit contact with potential ground moisture or snow that can cause damage.