Don't be mistaken: it's a living thing!
It is essential to realise that wood is a natural material with its own characteristics. Variations in wood grain, colour, knots and other naturally occurring characteristics are inherent to solid wood. We believe that these imperfections will only contribute to the charm of your table. As wood is a natural product, it will react to influences from its environment.
We want you to know this: it is perfectly possible and perfectly normal that your table changes over time. Because wood is a living product, you should however take in mind some precautions to ensure it will last as long as it is meant to do.
About teak
Teak is a deciduous hardwood tree and contrary to popular belief, comes from the highlands and not from tropical rainforests. No other wood shares teak's exceptional strength and durability. Its unique texture and leathery smell are due to its high oil content.
These characteristics, combined with the wood's high density, prevent warping and rot, allowing the furniture to stay outdoors in all conditions, without maintenance or preservatives.
However, just like any wood type, teak is a natural product and, because of this, fluctuations of temperature and humidity may cause surface cracking and in particular the end grains. This is normal and will not affect the durability or strength of the wood.
The variations in color within a new teak surface are typical and tend to diminish once exposed to sunlight. The gradual process of color evenness through sun-drying can take weeks to months, contingent upon sunlight intensity and weather conditions. Teak undergoes a significant transformation, particularly during its initial exposure to sunlight.
Maintenance
Left outdoors, untreated teak will adjust to the elements over the years and the colour of the wood will change to an attractive silver grey, aided only by an occasional washing with warm soapy water in order to discourage moss.
The prized golden-brown hue is achieved gradually, akin to a natural sun tan, though the interim appearance may lack the desired consistency. Certain manufacturers opt to expedite the color-evening process by treating it with chemicals. However, we refrain from such practices to avoid unnecessary chemical usage, without compromising on quality.
We do not recommend the use of teak oil or any other wood oil on teak that is to be used outdoors. Teak is already a naturally ‘oily’ wood and the addition of further oil does not add any additional protection. However, should you wish your teak to keep looking the same as it does when it is fresh out of the box, it can be sealed when new with Golden Care Teak Protector.
Still, untreated teak is not stainproof. Should you wish to fully protect your teak furniture against stains, then you can apply the Golden Care teak shield once or twice a year. This is an invisible layer which will allow your furniture to go to a beautiful silvery grey while preventing any liquids from penetrating the wood.
An occasional wash with soapy water will turn your furniture in a beautiful silvery grey
For daily care
Use a moist towel or sponge with a mild solution of water and natural, non-aggressive soap.
For stubborn stains
If your furniture is stained, consider one of the following options:
- Grease spots have appeared on the furniture: This is a natural feature of the wood and grease spots should gradually disappear after being exposed to sunlight. However, should you wish to remove these blemishes, we recommend using a teak degreasing agent and gentle scrubbing with a brush. Rinse off with clean water.
- The furniture has developed mildew spots or black blemishes: This is usually the result of rainwater or sap dripping from the leaves of trees onto the wood leaving dark marks and spots. Ideally, we recommend to not place the furniture under trees. However, these marks can be removed by lightly sanding the wood with fine sandpaper.
- You spilled wine or something else leaving persistent stains: For wine and other stains, we recommend using a weak solution of bleach and water combined with a dishwashing agent to wipe the surface clean.
