When new, teak wood furniture has a rich golden color and will age to a soft silvery patina over time. This process takes anywhere from six to twenty-four months depending on the climate and seasonal exposure. The weathering process moves faster in moist climates but will all even out in the end, leaving you with a stunning end-result: Furniture pieces that, just like fine wine, age beautifully with time.

Teak wood contains natural oils which help prevent it from rotting or deteriorating even in wet climates. When the teak is new, these oils move to the surface of the wood and cause the teak to turn gray or even black due to mold and mildew, which is feeding on the oil. Before placing cushions on your new teak furniture, remove dust from manufacturing by wiping the furniture piece with a damp cloth. Some of the oil in the new teak will bleed out following the first few rainfalls. To protect your cushions, bring them inside. Cushion stains from teak bleeding are not covered under warranty. Once the teak has begun to grey out, it will not bleed out oil and stain the cushions.

To protect your sling furniture, move sling chairs out from under teak tables for the first few rainfalls. This tip also applies to fabric umbrella canopies used on teak umbrella frames. Again, after the aging process has begun and the teak has begun to grey out, it will no longer bleed oil.

During the weathering process, you may notice “checking” or small cracks that appear in the end grain of the wood, caused by a slight expansion and contraction of the surface. Checking is cosmetic and will not impact the structural integrity of the furniture; therefore, will not be covered by our warranty. You may also see some lifting of the grain which will disappear at the end of the weathering process, sometimes you will even get water spots or other kinds of discoloration. Regardless, your furniture will end up with a lovely soft silvery patina, which will always even out over time and with periodic cleaning.

Teak wood requires proper maintenance and cleaning on occasion.  Naturally, all furniture left outdoors will take damage from environmental factors (pollen, insects, pollution, etc.) and will need to be cleaned periodically. It is highly recommended to clean the furniture at least two times a year to remove build-up dirt from the environment.

• We recommend starting hosing down the furniture with fresh water. Avoid a high-pressure hose as this can erode the surface of the timber.

• Next, scrub the wet furniture using a soft bristle brush and a solution of 2/3 cup of laundry detergent and 1/4 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of warm water.

• After, rinse the entire piece with fresh water to remove any remaining cleaning solution.

* For deeper cleaning, we recommend using a Teak Cleaner. This is a simple and safe cleaner formulated specifically for teak, which will remove the silver-gray patina look and restore the furniture to a golden-brown color.

Black spots appearing on the furniture after being exposed to the outdoor environment are mildew- a result of humidity building up in the wood- and are natural mold spores. These spots are not considered a defect as they are part of the natural weathering process and can be cleaned. High-quality teak furniture is extremely mold/mildew-resistant due to the density of the wood and the natural oils and resins present in the product. While the wood itself will resist mold and mildew; these contaminants will attach to dirt, leaves, and other debris on your furniture. If left to sit for an extended period, the mold or mildew will eventually penetrate the wood.

Mildew most often develops in conditions that are damp or highly humid where the furniture doesn’t regularly dry out. Should mildew develop on your furniture, please follow these steps to remove it:

• Prepare a mild solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water

• Apply the solution to the affected furniture and let sit for a minute

• Lightly agitate with a soft bristle brush, clean in the direction of the grain, and rinse clean with water

• Repeat if necessary

PREVENTION & PRESERVATION

You can lower the probability of mold or mildew attaching to your furniture by keeping it clean. Simply hose it off when it gets dirty and wipe it down (Please remember to never pressure wash your teak furniture). Oftentimes, simply cleaning the product with soap and water and scrubbing with a scrub brush or sponge will remove the contaminants if they have not had time to settle in too deep.

To protect your table or any piece of teak furniture from coffee, red wine, salad dressing, and other food stains, we recommend using a Teak Cleaner. Teak Cleaner is a transparent, safe product that can be used on clean, naturally weathered wood. It creates a protective barrier that helps prevent stains from penetrating the wood. It’s best to wipe away any spills with a damp cloth as soon as possible. We recommend applying a Teak Cleaner two or more times per year depending on usage and exposure.

• Brush off loose dirt
• Hose down
• Prepare a cleaning mixture of water and mild, natural soap (no detergents)
• Use a soft bristle brush to clean
• Allow soap to soak in
• Rinse thoroughly
• Allow it to air dry

• Mix four ounces (half a cup) of chlorine bleach, two ounces (one-fourth cup) of natural soap (no detergents), and one gallon of water
• Clean with soft bristle brush
• Allow mixture to soak for up to 20 minutes
• Rinse thoroughly
• Allow it to air dry.
• Repeat if necessary

Acacia wood or monkey pod wood is commonly used for indoor and outdoor furniture such as kitchenware, tables, flooring, etc. Some species are also utilized for paper products. Acacia is famous for its durability and lastingness. A piece of well-cured acacia furniture will have beautiful brown coffee tones that give elegance and antiqueness to any household.

Acacia is often used to make different pieces of furniture due to its aesthetic and ability to last for a longer time, especially when given proper care. Additionally, how to care for acacia wood outdoor furniture can be easy, and various ways are guaranteed to help you maximize your acacia furniture.

Homeowners appreciate Acacia wood for its durability to last for decades and the density, scratch resistance, and surface hardness properties long after being processed and shaped. It’s also a sustainable product with over 1,300 different varieties making it universally accessible and eco-friendly. The complexity in grain patterns is second to none and can even give a lighter, natural material look than teak. However, Acacia wood does require a bit of maintenance, but with proper treatment, your furniture will keep its rich color throughout the seasons.

Practice proper cleaning.

How to care for acacia wood outdoor furniture starts with proper cleaning. Wipe down your furniture often with a damp rag to eliminate dust and prevent dust accumulation. The routine attention to this breathing, living material will help preserve its integrity and eventually avoid drying or cracking.

Use a gentle soap to clean.

Use products without silicone or ammonia products. These products contain properties that can create dryness in the wood that can eventually lead to cracking. A mild soap, warm water solution will keep your Acacia wood happy.

Always wash and wipe down wet spots.

If your furniture is located next to the pool resulting in occasional chlorine-rich splashes, gently wash your furniture then wipe dry with a clean cloth. Also, set your furniture with enough distance from heat and avoid direct sunlight.

Use a preservative product.

You can commonly find boiled linseed oil or tung oil in commercial goods as the base ingredient for oiling outdoor wood furniture for its natural drying properties. Acacia wood’s sensitivity to direct sunlight means that pigmented finishing oil is preferred over transparent, which will provide UV protection. 

• Non-detergent liquid soap is perfect when it comes to cleaning products for outdoor furniture. They do not include harmful chemicals that might cause your furniture to deteriorate easily. A mixture of water and white vinegar can help you remove tough stains, mold, and mildew.

• How to care for acacia wood outdoor furniture always begin with cleaning the exteriors using a soft brush or cloth. Then evaluate if further care and cleaning are necessary.

• Clean off your furniture as soon as possible when contaminated by bird droppings and Sunscreens. They can cause permanent damage and stains, which are too hard to get rid of. Corrosion is also another factor to consider and avoid.

• Try to cover your furniture when not in use for extended periods. Doing so can preserve your furniture longer and make maintenance easier, especially during the summer season. Breathable covers are the best choice since they prevent mold growth.

• Read the manual. Newly acquired acacia furniture will have cleaning and maintenance instructions. Following the directions properly is the key for your acacia furniture to stay in shape.