Caring For Teak Wood and Shorea Wood Patio Furniture

Teak wood patio furniture and shorea wood furniture have very similar qualities and therefore can be cared for in very similar ways. Both woods contain a high amount of natural oils, making them very dense and durable. Their high oil content also makes them very resistant to moisture and insect infestations. Because of these qualities, these woods have been chosen for use in creating outdoor patio furniture.

As far as maintaining your teak or shorea wood odoor furniture, not much maintenance is required. Furniture made of these woods can be left outdoors and exposed to the elements year-round and it will simply transform colors to a warm gray tone. If you simply love the original honey color of these woods you can follow these easy steps to maintain this coloring on your NEW patio furniture:

Step One – Clean and Dry

When teak wood furniture is made it usually has been mechanically sanded with causes the fine particles created by this process to actually clog the pores of the wood giving it the soft, silky texture that makes it so appealing for furniture. If you are going to apply a treatment to this type of furniture, you must first clean away this residue. You can use a mixture of laundry detergent and water to wash away the waxy coat that is created by the sanding process. Once the waxy coat is gone and it is completely dry you can begin to apply a teak sealant.

Step Two – Apply Sealant

You may find teak wood sealants come in a variety of shades to allow you to create the perfect coloring for your furniture. To apply a teak sealant to your furniture you will want to use a foam brush applicator and liberally apply the sealant, allowing the furniture to soak up as much as it can. Once you have completed one coat, a second coat can be applied right away. Once the second coat has been applied use a rag to wipe away any excess sealant. In dry weather, the furniture will be dry to the touch within an hour and ready for use in 24 hours.

This process should be repeated annually to maintain the honey coloring of the wood.

Indonesia Outdoor Furniture by Jennifer Drozd