Breathe New Life To Your Indoor Teak Furniture By Following These Steps

Durable, attractive, and naturally resistant to rot and pests, teak is among the best types of wood for outdoor furniture and indoor pieces that will hold up for the long term. Still, resistant doesn't mean impervious. Over time, UV and humidity will weather the hardwood and dull the look. At some point, your indoor set will be due for a refresh to bring back the texture and golden honey color. With some cleaning, prep, and refinishing, you'll have a like-new set that can last for years with only occasional maintenance.

Cleaning is fundamental to make teak furniture upkeep easy and improve its looks and longevity. Using water and mild soap, scrub the surfaces with a soft bristle brush to remove accumulated dirt and grime. Rinse thoroughly, and allow to dry for 24 to 48 hours. In lieu of soapy water, you can also use vinegar and warm water in a 1 to 16 ratio or a commercial teak cleaner, like Star Brite One Step Teak Cleaner & Brightener, to clean your furniture and prep it for a finish. Wiping your teak furniture daily a lint-free cloth, dusting weekly, and giving it the occasional deep clean will keep stains from seeping into the wood and slow the natural wear. With a cleaner surface, you'll also better identify more serious issues needing repair. And if your teak tables are constantly under the threat of scratches, spills, and other damage from clumsy family members, you can always fashion a glass tabletop to save your gorgeous wood furniture from scratches and protect the surface without hiding the wood grain underneath.

If you notice any stubborn stains or inconsistent color changes in your teak furniture that a cleaner can't correct, you can sand them out. Use a fine-grit pad on an orbital sander. Finish by hand sanding with the grain to remove swirls. The only aspects that might need special consideration when sanding are any existing finishes or veneers. If the sanded area needs staining, apply matching stain in layers, letting each dry until they match the surrounding wood. For veneers, the main risk is sanding too much. Since veneers come in thicknesses as low as 0.4 millimeters, you can only sand it so much until you reach the core. Sand lightly as needed, but follow a strict cleaning schedule to avoid excessive damage.

With the table sanded, clean, and dry, bring out the teak's gorgeous grain with oil. Oil is a suitable indoor finish to protect the wood and accentuate its pattern while keeping a natural sheen. You can apply tung oil or similar options like teak or Danish oil. Test any new product in a hidden area, like the underside of a chair or table apron, to ensure it leaves the desired look. Rub the oil into the wood, moving in the direction of the grain. Apply two or three thin coats, letting each dry before adding the next, and wipe the table with a clean, dry cloth. Reapply the oil every couple of months, and you'll have no trouble keeping your indoor teak furniture looking fresh for years.