Is teak waterproof? Although not entirely waterproof, teak wood is high in naturally occurring protective oils, making it highly resistant to the detrimental effects of moisture, such as rotting, warping and cracking.
Teak has been very finely finished, but when it is exposed to rain or even dew, the fibres on the surface swell up and lift. After two or three months this grain lift settles down and the surface becomes quite smooth again.
Teak wood is one of the few kinds of wood that are not susceptible to water and moisture, which is why it's so popularly used as an ideal material for making shower furniture. It has a protective and natural oil that lubricates the wood, making it resistant to any humidity around the area.
Teak wood is wonderfully durable and strong and does not need to be treated. Wonderfully low-maintenance, teak wood furniture can be left outside all year round without any treatments as its own natural oil content will help protect it from the elements.
Teak is the most durable wood money can buy, and the investment pays off when the temperatures drop. You can leave your teak furniture outdoors in the winter, and it won't accrue damage from the cold. Teak's natural oils are moisture-resistant, meaning precipitation, such as rain, frost, and sleet, doesn't affect it.
High Cost of Purchase
One of the most prominent drawbacks of teak wood is its relatively high cost. If you are working within a certain budget, investing in teak furniture may not be your best option.
In short, if you have purchased high quality teak furniture (see our other blogs or our website www.AtlantaTeak.com) there is no need to cover it. Your furniture should be fine year round in the elements. One exception would be if you live in an area that gets a lot of snow. A few inches every so often, is fine.
Unless you want to reapply the oil frequently and potentially contribute to a damaging product build-up on your furniture, we recommend using teak sealers. Another thing to consider: some low-quality teak oils actually cause the wood to break down and deplete more rapidly.
If you like to protect your teak furniture, you'd do well to apply a sealer. Unlike teak oils, they don't add any resins or oils to the wood. They simply lock in the teak's natural oils. They also offer protection from sunlight, humidity, and mold.
For the first application, allow the wood to stand in the sun for a week or two so the wood grain can open. Then, wipe on a coat of Teak sealer with a stain sponge and rub it in using a rag. Apply one coat in this manner, making sure to cover every surface, bottom, top, and sides of any slats.
Cedar is durable. This type of wood is naturally resistant to rot and decay, so you don't need to worry about your outdoor shower having any structural damage. Cedar doesn't shrink, warp, or split as easily – you have a product made to last!
Quality teak furniture is extremely mold and mildew resistant due to the density of the wood and the natural oils and resins present in the product. While the wood itself will resist mold and mildew; these contaminants will attach to dirt, leaves and other debris on your furniture.
The teak shower stools, and other teak products provide a surface that mold can attach and grow upon, same as your bathroom tiles, and grout. Regular cleaning of the teak shower furniture can help prevent the growth of mold, but the cleaners and teak oil do not "kill" mold, but rather help prevent it.
You can expect your teak furniture to last 50-70 years, perhaps even longer in the right environment and with proper care. Did you know, some of Britain's oldest teak park benches are nearly a century old! Teak's impressive lifespan is due to its exceptional strength and durability.
If left in its natural state, teak wood is practically maintenance free. However, untreated teak furniture exposed to the sun will patina and turn a grey color. Although the process does not affect the strength and the quality of the wood, you can choose to prevent it by staining the furniture.
Doesn't Crack or Break
Although teak wood is a porous material, its protective oils make it resistant to rotting, warping, and/or splitting caused by moisture. Over time, you may notice some small cracks or splits, but this typically only happens when there are dramatic changes in humidity and temperature.
Polyurethane Finish
Poly Urethane is used to finish teak wood panels on boats. This is only to maintain its aesthetic color, and give it a smooth shine. Teak wood does not require any finish to preserve its strength.
Urethane is a great, non penetrating option as well that will leave a stunning finish to the teak. It is best to apply at least two coats. Urethane can help repel water; however, it is not a critical consideration with teak as the teak naturally repels the water anyways.
To restore weathered teak, first clean teak furniture with Teak Cleaner and then apply Golden Sealer to prevent re-graying. Teak sealer is water-based, eco-friendly and won't harm plants, lawn or animals. After an initial two-coat application of Teak sealer, simply recoat annually to preserve golden teak appearance.
2-3 thin coats will give a better finish than 1-2 thicker ones. Allow overnight drying between coats. All excess oil on the surface of the wood should be wiped off 20-30 minutes after application of each coat. This avoids any tacky or gummy build up.
Natural teak oil protects the wood from water damage, rot, and insects and is most present in high-quality teak. Teak sealer/protector, on the other hand, is helpful for teak protection. Teak sealer/protector helps maintain the golden color of teak by protecting your furniture from UV.
Can teak furniture be left outside in winter? Yes, teak furniture can be left outside all year round, even throughout winter.
The Best Way to Protect Teak Outdoor Furniture
The best way to protect your outdoor teak furniture all year around is with our TW Covers. Our covers are designed for the ultimate protection from all types of weather, and are designed to allow the wood to breathe.
Keep Your Teak Patio Furniture Covered
While teak can be left uncovered, you can choose to cover your teak furniture in the winter. It's integral to cover with a breathable material that allows air to flow.