Gray Teak Furniture

Furniture

Jul 16

Teak furniture, known for its durability and stunning appearance, has long been a favorite choice for outdoor settings. This tropical hardwood starts as a beautiful golden-brown color that, over time, transforms into a distinguished silver-gray patina. Understanding the weathering process and how to care for teak furniture can help you maintain its timeless beauty. Teak furniture is not only durable but also adds a touch of elegance to any outdoor setting.

EFL Gray Teak outdoor furniture from the Woven Collection is finished in what is called Instant Gray Finish by Golden Care. This is a treatment that helps the wood turn its silver-grey patina much faster. The wood will change color in approximately 6 months to a year. For the best Instant Gray results, it is important to put the product outside under direct sunlight. Dark and light lines may develop in the wood. The finish may look like it has water drops on it after the initial exposure to rain.

Get to know Teak

Teak wood is an exceptional material for various applications, including ships, boats, buildings, bridges, and high-end furniture. Harvested after 30-50 years of growing, its slow growth contributes to its rich oil content. For outdoor products, using slats instead of solid laminated tops is recommended because teak wood breathes and moves with each season’s weather change. Slats also allow water to pass through the gaps and preventing water collection.

EFL furniture is constructed with a specialized glue from Europe, designed specifically for outdoor use. Hairline cracks and other cracks are natural and should be expected, as solid teak wood is a living material that constantly reacts to its surrounding environment, especially in open-air settings. It is highly unlikely that these cracks will disrupt the strength or structural integrity of the teak furniture.

You may notice some dark teak oil streaks on certain planks of your new EFL outdoor furniture. This is normal and occurs due to the light-sensitive pigment in the wood. Our products are finished with an Instant Gray Finish, a treatment that helps the wood develop its silver-grey patina much faster. These dark streaks will become less noticeable as the teak ages.

The Weathering Process of Teak

Teak is a tropical hardwood that initially boasts a striking golden-brown hue. As it is exposed to the elements, the color gradually changes to a silver-gray patina, which is highly regarded for its elegance. This transformation can start to become noticeable within a few weeks in moist climates, while in drier environments, it may take several months. If left untreated, the silver-gray patina can eventually deteriorate into a dark-grey and greenish appearance. This natural aging process varies depending on the environment. Regular exposure to moisture accelerates the weathering, whereas infrequent moisture results in a slower, more subtle color change. This aging process is purely cosmetic and only affects the surface of the teak.

NEW

AGED (Over 6 Months)

Care & Maintenance for Teak

After assembling and placing your solid teak wood furniture outside, it's recommended to clean it. Begin by spraying the furniture with a water hose to remove dust and dirt. Once soaked, let it dry under direct sunlight. Repeat this process 3-5 times. After 3 months, you can clean the furniture by gently rubbing it with a soft sponge and mild soap and water. Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to keep your teak furniture looking its best. For more thorough cleaning, you can use a soft-bristle brush. Rinse with water and dry with a soft cloth.

If additional care is needed, the use of Golden Care products is recommended. Begin with Teak Cleaner and then apply a new layer of Instant Gray finish. Golden Care Teak cleaner is specifically designed to kill mold and mildew spores. If the teak feels rough, lightly sand the surface with fine sandpaper and then clean the sawdust with a dry, rough sponge. For added protection against food stains and moisture, use Teak Shield. Apply Teak Shield as per the instructions on the packaging to maintain the desired grey patina. This product helps preserve the grey color and prevents the wood from turning dark-grey or greenish due to algae and fungi buildup. It creates an invisible barrier on the surface of the wood, preventing stains from penetrating.

Teak care is not restricted by seasons, but it’s best to treat your furniture prior to winter storage and at the beginning of the season. This ensures your furniture is protected throughout the year, especially during periods of regular use. If your furniture is in a freezing environment, thoroughly clean and dry it, then store it in a dry place such as a garage or shed. Moisture from rain and snow can seep into small cracks, causing damage. If indoor storage is unavailable, cover the furniture with outdoor furniture covers. Avoid allowing water to stand on the surface of your furniture or cushions. Do not cover your furniture with non-breathable fabric, as this can lead to mildew if the furniture remains wet.

Hopefully, you have learned something new about Teak and why so many consider it to be the “king of woods”. Teak will last for decades and is coveted for its attractive color and grain, durability, strength, resistance to splitting, cracking, termites, fungus, and weathering making it the perfect choice for your next outdoor space renovation.