The Ultimate Teak Outdoor Furniture Care Guide

For hundreds of years, teak has set the standard for outdoor furniture, and Gloster teak is among the world's finest. Rich in natural oils and characterized by a dense grain, this tropical hardwood is inherently resistant to moisture and changing weather conditions. With the right care, teak furniture can be enjoyed for generations.

One of the qualities that makes teak so well suited to outdoor living is that it requires relatively little maintenance. Whether you prefer the warm, golden-brown appearance of fresh teak or the soft, silvery-gray patina that develops naturally over time, understanding a few simple care practices will help you get the most from your furniture.

In this guide, we explore how to clean, protect, and maintain teak furniture to preserve its natural beauty for years to come.

Gloster teak has a natural finish without additional coatings or surface treatments. When exposed to sunlight and rain, the pigments in the surface layer gradually fade, causing the wood to transition from its original golden-brown color to a light silvery gray. This natural weathering process typically takes between six months and two years, depending on exposure to the elements.

Neither appearance is better than the other. Allowing teak to weather naturally is an entirely appropriate approach to maintenance, and the resulting patina is part of the material's enduring appeal. Alternatively, those who prefer to retain the original golden color can use a sealer to help preserve its appearance.

Some Gloster teak furniture also undergoes a buffing process that brings the wood's natural oils to the surface, creating a smooth finish with a subtle sheen and enhanced richness of color. Like all teak, however, buffed surfaces will gradually develop a silvery-gray patina when exposed to the outdoor elements.

Regular cleaning is the most important part of maintaining outdoor teak furniture. We recommend thoroughly cleaning your furniture once or twice a year, or as needed, to remove accumulated dirt, grease, and surface stains.

For everyday cleaning, use clean water and a mild detergent solution with a soft cloth, sponge, or brush. For a more thorough clean, Gloster Teak & Upholstery Cleaner is specifically formulated to remove dirt and stains.

How to use Gloster Teak & Upholstery Cleaner:

1. Wear protective gloves and eye protection and cover the ground beneath the furniture.
2. Thoroughly moisten the teak surface with clean water.
3. Spray the cleaner onto the wet surface and allow it to soak for three minutes.
4. Use the supplied scrubbing pad to gently remove dirt and grease.
5. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and allow the furniture to air dry.

For minor scratches or raised grain that cannot be removed through cleaning, occasional light sanding can help restore a smooth finish. Always sand in the direction of the wood grain.

Although teak does not require additional protection to withstand outdoor conditions, a protective treatment can help repel moisture and prevent stains from food and beverages.

Gloster Teak & Upholstery Protector can be applied to both new and naturally weathered teak. It creates a water-repellent surface while helping protect against everyday spills and staining.

We recommend applying Protector once a year. Because horizontal surfaces are more exposed to rain and spills, teak tabletops benefit from treatment twice a year, ideally in April and October.

How to apply Gloster Teak & Upholstery Protector:

1. Wear protective gloves and eye protection and cover the ground beneath the furniture. 
2. Clean the teak with Gloster Teak & Upholstery Cleaner and allow it to dry completely. 
3. Shake the Protector bottle for at least one minute. 
4. Spray directly onto the surface until thoroughly saturated and allow it to dry for four hours. 
5. Repeat the application and allow the furniture to dry completely for 48 hours before use.

For those who prefer the original golden-brown appearance of fresh teak, Gloster Teak Sealer helps slow the natural weathering process that causes the wood to turn silvery gray.

Sealer should be applied when the furniture is new and reapplied at least once a year.

How to apply Gloster Teak Sealer:

1. Wear protective gloves and eye protection and cover the ground beneath the furniture. 
2. Clean the teak with Gloster Teak & Upholstery Cleaner and allow it to dry completely.
3. If the surface feels rough, lightly sand in the direction of the wood grain and remove any dust.
4. Shake the Sealer bottle for at least one minute.
5. Test the product on a small, inconspicuous area first.
6. Using the supplied cloth, apply a very thin, even layer of sealer.
7. Allow 30 minutes of drying time before applying a second thin coat.

For additional protection against moisture and staining, Gloster Teak & Upholstery Protector can also be applied over the sealer.

Although teak is naturally durable and relatively easy to maintain, using the right cleaning methods and products is important.

To preserve the surface and natural appearance of teak, avoid the following:

• Never use a pressure washer, as the force can erode the softer surface of the wood and leave it rough.
• Avoid stiff or wire brushes and steel wool, which can damage the grain.
• Do not use bleach, paint, varnish, or wood stains.
• Avoid teak oil or other wood oils. Teak already contains natural oils, and additional oiling can encourage mildew growth and cause the surface to turn black.

A few additional considerations can help keep your teak furniture in excellent condition throughout the seasons.

During the first few months outdoors, natural oils and pigments may gradually wash out when exposed to rain. This is normal and typically subsides after two to three months. During this period, avoid placing new teak directly on light-colored, porous stone surfaces, as natural oils may cause temporary staining. We also recommend keeping light-colored cushions and fabrics away from new teak during wet weather.

Although teak is well suited to outdoor conditions, furniture can be stored in a dry shed or garage during winter if desired. Avoid moving teak directly from a cold outdoor environment into a heated indoor space, as sudden changes in temperature and humidity can cause excessive movement in the wood and potentially result in splits.

Furniture covers are another effective way to protect teak during the winter months. To purchase protective covers, reach out to a Gloster sales representative.

Teak naturally expands and contracts as temperature and humidity levels change. The appearance of oil on the surface is also normal and reflects the wood's naturally high oil content.

Teak's natural qualities make it one of the finest materials for outdoor furniture, and caring for it does not need to be complicated. With occasional cleaning and the appropriate protective treatments, high-quality teak furniture is designed to be enjoyed for generations.

Explore Gloster collections to experience the timeless beauty and exceptional craftsmanship of our luxury teak outdoor furniture.