

Warranties on top grade teak furniture are typically longer than those for other materials at three to five years in length, but check with the manufacturer before purchasing.

It is this that will deliver the longest of lifespans. What’s important for maximum durability is to shop for premium grade teak taken from the heart of the tree. Timespans of 25 years to 30 years are claimed and even those of more than twice that length – think British teak park benches as an example. Teak outdoor furniture is reputed to last what might seem an astonishingly long time outside. Always use breathable covers and check the furniture beneath periodically if you take this route. Teak outdoor furniture can be covered if you don’t want a cleaning task when the better weather comes around, but bear in mind you will need to clean it before covering it if that’s the case and it must be dry when you cover it. Leave to dry – choosing a breezy day will make this a quicker process.

Hose to rinse but don’t use a pressure washer. When spring comes, the furniture will simply need cleaning which can be achieved using soapy water or a specialist teak cleaner recommended by the manufacturer. Its qualities mean it can withstand the conditions, making it an excellent choice if you prefer not to have to move furniture from the patio or yard in preparation for the coldest months as you might do with other materials. Teak furniture can be left outside in winter. FAQs Can teak furniture be left outside in winter? ‘It serves as the perfect base to your overall outdoor material palette and works beautifully alongside stone, marble, concrete and metal,’ says Kaitlin. What’s more, it complements other materials you might select for a patio or deck, including those that are in fashion. ‘While not inexpensive, teak is a timeless material that outlasts passing trends,’ says Kaitlin. Teak is timelessĪ common outdoor furniture mistake is to invest in pieces that will quickly look dated, but there's no risk of that with teak because it won’t fall out of fashion. If you would prefer to stop your teak furniture from bleaching in the sun, keeping it under the shade of a pergola or patio cover can help it to maintain its original color too. The Anton Lounge collection of teak furniture from West Elm (below) contains no stain or topcoat, so over time it will gradually change to the silver-gray patina that is so familiar with teak. ‘I prefer this gray color to the honey brown of new teak, but the best part is you can easily return it to its original brown by giving it a light sanding and sealing it with a teak sealer.’ ‘My favorite aspect of teak is the beautiful silvery-gray patina it gains when left outside or in the sun,’ says Kaitlin McQuaide. Invest in teak and it will look good new and as it ages. This is a real time-saver for busy folks who want beautiful furniture without the extra work.’ 3. ‘Other woods might require constant staining or sealing, but teak can be left as it is throughout the year, outdoors. ‘When it comes to upkeep, teak is pretty hands-off,’ agrees Artem Kropovinsky. ‘The natural oils in the wood protect it not only from the elements, but also from pests like termites.’ ‘Teak is a great outdoor furniture choice because it is virtually maintenance free, aside from a light cleaning a few times a year,’ says NYC-based interior designer Kaitlin McQuaide of McQuaide Interiors. While other outdoor furniture choices may demand a little more effort, teak is easy to look after, so there's no need to be worried about how much time you'll spend cleaning outdoor furniture.
