Teak Performs Beautifully in Any Climate
Discover how teak performs in specific climates and how to care for it:
An excellent choice for all climates and geographical locations, teak hardwood furniture can withstand snow, rain, sea salt, high temperatures and everything in between. The high concentration of rubber and oil makes teak naturally weatherproof and resistant to pests, while its dense, straight grain gives it strength and durability.
Teak has the ability to moderate its own temperature. It feels warm in the winter and cold in the summer. In the outdoors, teak wood will absorb and release moisture from the surrounding air, constantly adjusting to swings in temperature and humidity. Properly kiln-dried teak wood can withstand extreme changes in climate without warping, twisting or loss of strength.
The use of mortise and tenon joinery with locking dowels ensures that furniture joints expand and contract together, remaining tight and strong (compared to bolt or screw joints, which can loosen over time when wood expands and contracts).
Teak will naturally weather to a silvery gray patina when exposed to sunlight and rain. This process typically takes one to two years, depending on exposure – the more sunlight and rain, the faster teak will gray. Once weathered, the natural gray surface patina will remain and darken gradually over time.
At any point, teak can be brought back to a natural blonde color with cleaning. Teak requires no sealers or preservatives and will perform beautifully with light annual cleaning.
HOT, HUMID AND RAINY ENVIRONMENTS
PACIFIC LUTHERAN UNIVERSITY, TACOMA, WA
Teak grows in tropical environments, so is naturally suited to hot, humid or rainy conditions.
- Clean periodically with a simple solution of mild dish soap and water.
- Wipe, blow or hose dirt and debris off regularly between cleanings.
- If used in a shady area, consider adding Teak Mildew Shield for extra protection against mold and mildew.
- For a deeper clean, Two Part Cleaner can be used to remove moss and lichen or return furniture to a light blonde color.
FLAGLER COLLEGE, ST. AUGUSTINE, FL
MIDDLETON PLACE, CHARLESTON, SC
CHEVY CHASE RECREATION ASSOCIATION, CHEVY CHASE, MD
ARID AREAS
DESERT BOTANICAL GARDEN, PHOENIX, AZ
Teak furniture performs beautifully in dry regions with low annual precipitation. The naturally high oil content helps prevent timbers from becoming brittle. Teak will weather to gray more slowly in areas with less rain.
- Wipe, hose or blow off dirt periodically.
- Annual or bi-annual cleaning with a simple solution of mild dish soap and water will keep teak furniture looking beautiful for a lifetime.
TRINITY UNIVERSITY, SAN ANTONIO, TX
SCRIPPS COLLEGE, CLAREMONT, CA
THE HUNTINGTON LIBRARY, ART MUSEUM, AND BOTANICAL GARDENS, SAN MARINO, CA
COASTAL CLIMATES
BANDON DUNES GOLF RESORT, BANDON DUNES, OR
Teak furniture can endure for generations in coastal environments if constructed of quality kiln-dried wood, and with time-tested joinery. One of the earliest uses of teak was as building material for the hulls and decking of merchant and Navy ships. The natural weatherproof qualities of dense, oil-rich teak made vessels nearly impervious to warping, splitting and rot even in harsh marine conditions. The most luxurious yachts and ocean liners still incorporate teak in their designs today. When combined with marine-grade hardware, teak furniture maintains its integrity in even the harshest environments.
- Clean periodically with a simple solution of mild dish soap and water.
- Wipe, blow or hose dirt and debris off regularly between cleanings.
- If used in a shady area, consider adding Teak Mildew Shield for extra protection against mold and mildew.
- For a deeper clean, Two Part Cleaner can be used to remove moss and lichen or return furniture to a light blonde color.
CITY OF VIRGINIA BEACH, VA
THE INN AT NEWPORT RANCH, FORT BRAGG, CA
COASTAL GEORGIA BOTANICAL GARDENS, SAVANNAH, GA
COLD, SNOWY AND ICY REGIONS
Teak can remain uncovered in snow and is not affected by extreme cold.
- Prior to the winter season, wipe or rinse dirt and debris from the surface to prevent the growth of mildew.
- Limit storing or stacking other items on top of furniture, as this can cause uneven weathering or damage.
- Annual or bi-annual cleaning with a simple solution of mild dish soap and water will keep furniture looking great season after season.
- For more intense cleaning, use Two Part Cleaner to bring weathered furniture back to a light blonde color.
