Teak comes from exotic hardwood trees, it is the most popular wood amongst collectors and households. It is often used for patio furniture because of its durability and weather proof qualities. Since there is more demand than supply of this raw material, teak is often reclaimed from structures before they are torn down and reused for furniture and other things.
Before hiring a third party for teak cleaning services or teak refinishing services, their knowledge about teak wood maintenance should be verified to avoid any painful and irreversible mistakes. Also, it should be ensured the products used on the furniture are genuine and reliable.
Why is teak so popular worldwide?
Apart from the look and feel of teak, it is popular because it contains natural oils and rubber which remain in the wood even after felling and processing. These two ingredients make the wood weather-resistant and protected against fungi and parasites. It also prevents dry rot. Trees grow outwards from their center and for this reason have a heavier concentration of natural oils in the middle also called the heart. Whereas the outer region is called sapwood. Wood made from the heart is more expensive than sapwood which has a higher volume and less natural oil.
Preserving teak furniture
Depending on the climate in an area, outdoor teak furniture will lose its shades of brown and turn to silver/ gray in about 10-12 months based on the amount of UV light and rain it is exposed to. This change in colour is because of the loss of natural oils from its outer surface. Often, for first time owners of teak furniture this change in colour is like an unpleasant surprise until they consult a company offering teak refinishing services and clear their doubts.
Hobbyists shouldn’t try varnish and paint on teak because of its natural oils which rise to the surface. Unless done professionally, varnish and colors will chip or peel, giving the furniture a gloomy appearance. What most professionals recommend for DIY is to clean the surface and put a few coats of sealant to preserve the existing coloration.
Listen to professional advice
For customers with numerous pieces of furniture made from teak, the best option is to hire a teak refinishing service. They can then opt for changing the color of their furniture. There are several steps required to change the look of teak furniture, and it is best left for the experts. The options are sealant or lacquer, and if the customer wants to try something radically different, then they can opt for a paint job.
Teak cleaning services are recommended around four times a year. It will ensure all the ketchup and mustard stains are removed. For the more stubborn stains, light sandpapering will be required. After the cleaning, most people opt for applying a sealant to protect the patio furniture from the elements and maintaining its honey brown color.
Whether Burma Teak or relatively inexpensive sapwood, carpenters and polishing experts have varying opinions on what is the best way to keep teak furniture looking its best. There are also several ready-made products available for cleaning and protecting teak wood, adding to the confusion. Before finalizing any services for precious furniture, the owner should speak with previous customers and compare cleanup and finishing solutions being offered by different companies. This will be a long-lasting business relationship, so the choice should be made carefully. Starting with teak cleaning services will ensure a comfort level is attained and give a realistic picture of the manifold ways in which teak furniture can be customized.
