Teak

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Traditionaly, teak wood is commonly used for making outdoor furniture for several reasons:

  1. Durability - Teak is naturally resistant to decay, warping, splitting, and cracking, making it ideal for use in outdoor furniture that is exposed to the elements.
  2. Weather resistance - Teak has natural oils and resins that provide it with protection against moisture, rain, and UV rays, making it suitable for use in outdoor furniture.
  3. Natural beauty - Teak has a warm, rich color that ages to a silvery gray patina over time, which many people find attractive in outdoor furniture.
  4. Comfort - Teak is a dense, heavy wood that is naturally durable and comfortable to sit on, making it an ideal choice for outdoor chairs and other seating.

Overall, the combination of durability, weather resistance, natural beauty, and comfort make teak wood a popular choice for outdoor furniture.

In Depth Knowledge
  1. Burmese teak - Burmese teak, also known as "True Teak", is considered to be the finest quality teak wood available. It is grown in the tropical forests of Myammar (formerly Burma) and is known for its beautiful golden color, tight grain pattern, and high oil content. However, due to the political situation in Myanmar, the harvesting of Burmese teak is heavily regulated, making it a more expensive and scarce resource.
  2. Indonesian teak - Indonesian teak is another popular species of teak wood that is grown in Indonesia and other countries in Southeast Asia. It is typically more affordable and widely available than Burmese teak, but is not considered to be of the same quality in terms of color, grain pattern, and oil content.

FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), is an international organization that promotes responsible forest management and the use of environmentally and socially responsible forest products. FSC certification idicates that a product is made from wood that has been harvested from a well-managed forest, in accordance with strict environmental, social, and economic standards.

Both Burmese teak and Indonesian teak can be FSC certified, but it is important to check the specific product for FSC certification before purchasing. FSC certification provides assurance that the wood used in a product has been sourced from a well-managed forest, which is important for those who are concerned about enviromental and social responsibility.

Caring of teak

The natural weathering or aging of teak wood after it has been exposed to the atmosphere for a prolonged period of time refers to the changes that occur in the wood's appearance and properties over time. As teak is exposed to sunlight, rain, wind, and other elements, its natural oils and resins begin to dry out, and the wood's color and texture change.

Initially, the wood takes on a silvery gray patina, which is a result of the natural oxidation of the wood fibers which may penatrate into 1-2mm depth. This process also helps to protect the wood from further damage by the elements.

Over time, the wood becomes darker and more weathered, and may develop cracks, knots, and other signs of aging if no further maintenance work is rendered.

The steps for restoring teak wood depend on the level of weathering and degradation that has occurred, as well as the desired final result. However, the general steps for restoring teak wood using a professional cleaner as JustTeak™ and similar products are:

Part 1 - Teak Cleaner
  1. Hose down entire are with water.
  2. Ensure the teak does not dry during the cleaning process.
  3. Applying the Teak Cleaner with a soft polypropylene cleaning pad, gently scrub the product across the grain of the teak. The teak will turn dark brown and the cleaning pad will fill with dirt.
  4. Apply to one area at a time then immediately rinse down entire area with water to remove the cleaner. Repeat if necessary.
Part 2 - Teak Brightener
  1. Following the application of Part 1: Teak Cleaner hose down entire area with water.
  2. Ensure the teak down not dry during the cleaning process.
  3. Apply Teak Brightener with a soft polypropylene cleaning pad, gently scrubbing across the grain of the teak. The teak will immediate lighten.
  4. Apply to one area at a time then immediately rinse down entire area with water to remove the Teak Brightener. Repeat if necessary.
Part 3 - Teak Sealer
  1. Apply teak sealer to the surface of the wood using a brush or cloth. Rub the oil into the wood, working in the direction of the grain, until the surface is evenly coated. Allow the oil to penetrate the wood for 10 to 15 minutes, the wipe off any excess with a clean cloth.
  2. The teak sealer applied on the surface of the wood is to protect if from moisture and UV rays. Repeat Part 3 after the sealer is dried. Having 2-3 coated is partical in location like HK.

In terms of how often restoration should be carried out in a sub-tropical area like Hong Kong, it depends on several factors, such as the level of exposure to the elements, the quality of the finish, and the type of use. As a general rule, teak furniture in a sub-tropical climate should be cleaned and sealed every six months to one year, and sanded and sealed every two to three years. Zzue Creation also offer teak restoration work, please give us a call shall you be needing such a service.

Tips and Hints:

When cleaning the teak, have the brushes to cross at right angle to the grain, while when doing teak sealing the bursh stroke should follow the natural wood grain.
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