Teak Construction:

Frontgate teak furniture is built of premium, natural teak.

Teak is a durable, dense, coarse, close-grained hardwood. It contains high levels of resinous oils that make it naturally resistant to moisture, repellent to insects and impervious to drying. Teak also contains silica, a sand-like component that makes it resistant to fungal decay, water, rotting, warping, shrinking and swelling. Teak is extremely durable and ideal for outdoor patio furniture.

If left untreated, teak will develop a lovely silver-gray patina over time that some people desire. This process occurs as surface pigments start to fade (which does not affect the durability or strength of the wood). Treated teak will retain its natural golden color longer but will require periodic reapplication of teak oil. In either case, periodic cleaning may be necessary to remove stains and surface mildew.

Cleaning Teak Furniture:

Teak requires little maintenance or care. Although it is naturally resistant to decay, mildew can form on the surface, especially when used outside for long periods of time. Surface mildew does not affect the durability or longevity of the wood and can be easily washed off.

To clean the surface, either spray the furniture with water from a garden hose or apply a mild washing solution and scrub the surface with a soft-bristle brush.

• Always begin with a mild - or more diluted - cleaning solution (see below). If that does not work, try a stronger concentration or a store-bought teak cleaner.
• Homemade Teak Cleaning Solution:
• 1 cup chlorine bleach
• 1 cup laundry detergent
• 1 gallon warm water
• Either apply the above cleaning solution using a brush with soft, plastic bristles (metal bristles will scratch the surface) or apply the store-bought cleaner according to the manufacturer's instructions
• Allow the cleaning solution to sit on the furniture for approximately 15 minutes.
• Thoroughly rinse the cleaning solution with clean water (spray it with a garden hose).

To remove stains, either lightly sand the affected areas with a fine-grit sandpaper until the stain disappears or clean with a store-bought teak cleaner.

Oiling/Sealing Teak Furniture:

Treating teak with oil or teak sealer helps to retain and enhance teak's natural golden honey color. It does not affect its strength or longevity. Teak that remains outside for extended periods of time will require re-oiling or re-sealing approximately every 2 to 3 months and should be kept out of direct sunlight.

Tung oil is recommended by professionals, but linseed oil and store-bought teak oil can also be used. (If using a commercial teak sealer, follow the manufacturer's instructions).

• Before treating, clean all teak surfaces and allow to completely dry
• Use a paint brush to apply oil in even strokes until it is completely soaked into the wood.
• Wait 15 minutes to allow oil to soak in.
• Wipe away excess oil using a cloth dampened with mineral spirits.
• Oil dripped on other surfaces should be immediately cleaned off to avoid stains.
• Wait until the surface is completely dry (oiled teak will initially have a matte finish and should not have any shiny areas).
• Buff the surface with a soft, clean, dry rag.

Storing Teak Furniture:

When not in use, we recommend using furniture covers, storing the furniture indoors or placing the furniture in a watertight shed or garage. If storing teak furniture in a heated indoor room, avoid moving it immediately into a cold outdoor area as the sharp differences in temperature and humidity may cause the wood to split.