Here are some commonly asked questions that may be of assistance to you for any concerns you may have about our products and services. If you can't find the answer to your question here, feel free to contact us for a personalized response.
Furniture Care - Teak
Does Teak Furniture Need a Finish to Last a Lifetime?
No, teak furniture does not need a finish to last a lifetime, but adding a finish can enhance its longevity even further. Teak is a naturally durable wood, rich in oils that protect it from moisture, pests, and decay. These natural properties make it an excellent choice for both indoor and outdoor furniture without requiring a finish to maintain its longevity. With simple care and routine cleaning, teak can last a lifetime, weathering beautifully over time.
Simple Care and Maintenance
Teak furniture is low-maintenance, and simple routine cleaning is all that's required to help maintain its excellent condition over time:
Cleaning:
Wash your teak furniture with mild soapy water and a soft brush or cloth to remove dirt and debris.
Rinsing:
After cleaning, rinse the furniture with clean water to prevent soap build-up that could dull its appearance.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals:
Steer clear of harsh chemicals or power washers, as they can damage the wood and deplete its natural oils.
Seasonal Maintenance:
If your teak furniture is outdoors and exposed to the elements, consider cleaning it more frequently, though annual cleaning is often enough.
Natural Aging Process
Over time, untreated teak will naturally weather to a silver-grey patina. This change in color does not affect the wood's integrity or longevity. For those who prefer this naturally aged look, no finish is required - just simple cleaning and care.
Optional Finishes
If you prefer to maintain the warm, honey-brown color of new teak or opt for other finishes, applying a teak sealer can help preserve its appearance. While not essential for the wood's durability, a finish can offer additional protection against UV rays and slow down the weathering process, allowing the wood to retain its original color or chosen finish for longer and increase its longevity.
What options do I have to protect my teak furniture from stains that can come from food and wine?
To protect the furniture from stains and mildew and to keep the graceful silvery-patina of the weathered teak, we recommend the use of Westminster’s Teak Shield. This will protect the applied areas from spills such as red wine, coffee, or olive oil.
If your furniture is already stained we recommend using our Teak Cleaner and light sanding with 120 grit sand paper to fully remove the stain.
I love the rich warm tones of oiled teak, but how often should I have to oil my furniture to keep it that way?
We do not recommend the use of teak oil for furniture being placed outside because it increases the probability of mold and mildew. For that that insist, reapplying oil depends on the amount or degree of exposure to outdoor conditions. If your furniture is under the shade most of the day, say under a patio cover or lanai, then it would probably be more than 6 months before you really need to thoroughly re-oil your furniture. If your furniture is placed in an open area, totally exposed to the weather (sun, rain, etc), then you would probably need oiling about once every 2-3 months. Except for the occasional yearly oiling, if at all, ‘oiled’ teak furniture placed indoors or in an enclosed area (not exposed to direct sunlight or rain) is virtually maintenance free.
Can I leave my furniture outside in the rain, sun, and snow all year round?
Absolutely, however, as with all natural materials, the more it is exposed to the environment, the more it will accumulate dirt. Further, subjected to the sun, rain, or snow, the surface of the teak will gradually weather into a soft-silver gray as only the pigments on the surface layer begin to fade. This will not in any way compromise the structural integrity of your furniture.
Can I stain or paint my teak furniture?
One of the unique characteristics of teak is its inherent high content of oil. This distinctive property makes it difficult for paint to adhere to its surface; over time, through changes in temperatures and the seasons, the paint will crack and peel. Painting may also have a secondary impact on the teak wood itself. The wood surface may not have the ability to now “breathe," due to the sealing characteristics of the paint, and may start to develop mold and mildew in the areas where moisture is absorbed through the cracks and peels of the paint over time. This is why we do not recommend painting your teak furniture.
Like paint, stain is another form of sealant, though there are types that would allow the teak to “breathe.” Please consult a wood paint specialist to ask a suitable type for your application, i.e. indoor or outdoor. More often than not, the use of a sealant such as stain, oils or varnish, are better suited for indoor use where the furniture is not subjected to the effects of the outdoor environment.
To keep bees, wasps and hornets away from Teak Furniture, we have included a couple of remedies below:
Vinegar and Water - 3 parts water to 1 part vinegar
Spray the affected area thoroughly. This will not damage your furniture.
Vanilla Sticks - Rub the affected area with vanilla sticks as they do not like the scent of this
and again, it will not harm your Teak Wood.
Do not use mild soap or water as bees are attracted to this.
Do you carry teak oil?
Yes! We carry Amazon's Golden Teak Oil, the best performing teak oil we have seen. We offer two sizes: a 16 ounce size and a 32 ounce size
How do I change the fabric on my chair or lounger?
Please Contact Us and we will provide you with detailed instructions on how to replace your fabric on your chair or lounger.
Should I power or pressure wash my teak furniture.
No, pressure cleaning teak furniture will result in raised grains and will increase the likelihood of splintering. Using Teak Cleaner is a safer alternative to pressure washing. If you have already pressure cleaned your furniture then use a 120 grit sand paper to remove the raised grains and then finish with a 220 grit sandpaper to smooth it out.
How do I remove a dowel after it has been inserted?
Please refer to this PDF to remove an inserted dowel:
The short answer is that teak needs no care or special maintenance regimen. Untreated, natural teak (without oil) will weather to a handsome soft-silvery patina within a year or so, depending on the amount of sun and weather it is being exposed to. Mild soapy water, and a soft brush or pad, will clean away any accumulation of dirt. Finish by hosing it down with water. Depending on the environment, you should not have to do this more than twice a year. Over the years, your furniture will weather gracefully. If mold and mildew are persistent then consider using a 1:2 salt water rinse to clean your furniture. For best results, we recommend the use of our Teak Furniture Cleaner.
For those that wish to maintain or restore the original color we have options on our Furniture Care page.
White Glove Delivery
White Glove Services include unpackaging, assembly and placement of
furniture as well as removal and disposal of all packaging material.
It does not include any custom work that may need to be done to assure a
fit to the desired location.
In stock cushions and umbrella fabrics will be included with White Glove
Services. Made to order cushions and umbrella fabrics are shipped separately
via UPS and are not applicable to White Glove Services.
Please allow 3-6 weeks for White Glove Services.
Non-White Glove, Standard Delivery is 2-7 days.
Preferred shipping option selected at checkout.
Receive Additional 5% OFF
Westminster Teak salutes and honors veterans, military and first responders by offering a 5% additional discount to all
personnel and their spouses. Please confirm and enter the following information into the comments section during checkout:
Military:
Branch of Service
Rank
Honorable Discharge
Use promo code VETERAN5
The term "veteran" means a person who served in the active military, naval or air service and who was discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable.
First Responders:
Organization
Position
Use promo code THANKYOU5
The term "first responder" is a person with specialized training who is among the first to arrive and provide assistance at the scene of an emergency, such as an accident, natural disaster, or terrorism. First responders typically include law enforcement officers, paramedics, EMT's and firefighters.
In Stock: Ships in 1-2 Business Days
Shipping within 1-2 business days applies only for Standard Delivery within the Continental USA. Does not include Made To Order Cushions or furniture purchased with a finish. It also does not include any other special Deliveries including White Glove. Shipments are on business days only. No Shipments on USA holidays or weekends.
Renees
RENEE’S in Mattituck is the premier fashion and furnishings retailer on the East End of Long Island. As a third-generation family business offering men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing, and home furnishings and accessories, RENEE’S is in touch with new looks and changing trends. Impeccable customer service elevates your North Fork shopping experience.
International Market Square is the largest home and commercial interior design marketplace in the Upper Midwest. Open to both the home/commercial design community and the public, visitors are invited to explore our more than sixty showrooms, studios, shops, galleries, restaurants and other distinct amenities.
Twisted Elements International Market Square 275 Market St
Minneapolis, MN 55405 1-612-305-0456 http://twisted-elements.com/
Westminster Teak California, Inc.
Stonemill Design Center 2915 Red Hill Ave, B107 Costa Mesa, CA 92626
