In late winter/early spring there are seeds to sow, weeding, tidying and fresh compost to be laid. But what about caring and preparing your garden furniture for the months ahead?
If you dream of enjoying the company of friends al fresco, or reading a book in the shade of a tree, then adorning your space with good outdoor furniture is a must. Teak is one of the most popular woods for garden seating and tables, and for good reason.
Read on to discover why teak is a good choice for your garden and how to keep it looking in tip-top condition.
Why buy teak garden furniture?
Teak is a dense, close-grained deciduous hardwood that is sourced from the Tectonia grandis tree, native to South-East Asia. Waterproof, durable and hard-wearing, it’s easy to see why it’s a popular choice for outdoor furniture.
Teak’s high-oil content makes it incredibly stable and resistant to rotting when exposed to extreme climates. Here are a few more benefits to consider if you’re thinking about buying teak furniture for your garden.
- A teak outdoor bench, table or chair can last for 70 years
- Teak furniture can be left outside year round uncovered
- Teak wood will naturally weather from golden brown to a beautiful silver-grey patina
“For centuries these unique qualities have made teak the preferred choice for marine decking and construction,” says the team at Barlow Tyrie, the oldest teak wood outdoor furniture manufacturer in Britain. “Hence it is considered the premium timber for outdoor furniture.”
How to look after teak garden furniture
Hard-wearing and low-maintenance, it takes little to keep teak looking and performing well. However, there are a few ways to maintain its splendour, as recommended by Barlow Tyrie.
How do I clean teak garden furniture?
Do not use a jet wash on teak as it can drive out the natural oils. Use a brush to remove dirt and lichen. Soak the bench with a hose. Wearing gloves and glasses apply Barlow Tyrie’s Teak Cleaner using a sponge. Leave for five minutes. Scrub with a scouring pad to remove dirt. Rinse and leave to dry.
Transforming weathered teak garden furniture?
If you are not a fan of teak’s natural aged silver patina then Barlow Tyrie’s Teak Colour Guard will slow down the weathering process. Clean with warm soapy water and rinse. Wearing gloves and glasses apply Colour Guard, massaging into the surface. Leave to dry then apply a second coat. Repeat once a year to maintain the colour.
Do I need to oil my teak garden furniture?
“No. Treating it with teak oil or other preservatives is not necessary for outdoor furniture,” says Barlow Tyrie “it will not extend the life of your furniture and is purely cosmetic.”
Why do occasional cracks appear in my garden furniture?
“Teak is a natural material,” says Barlow Tyrie. “As such, fine cracks in the end grain of components (legs and arms) may appear and then disappear with variations in the weather and consequent change in the moisture content of the wood.”
Do I need to store my furniture during the winter?
“No, Barlow Tyrie teak furniture can be left outdoors uncovered all year round. If you choose to cover your furniture you should use a material that allows the wood to breathe.”
Learn to care for teak garden furniture
Buying teak furniture from a specialist
As a trusted company, Barlow Tyrie sells premium quality products alongside high standards of customer service. Its wide range of teak furniture has been gracing gardens since 1920, and this family-run company is proud of its reputation for choice.
Barlow Tyrie only uses teak that has been grown in carefully managed plantations in Indonesia. All of its teak wood is FLEGT licensed. This means that it has been legally produced in accordance with Indonesian laws. Customers can also be assured that forest management, sustainability and community and labour welfare legislation has been met.
Regardless of your garden design – from a cottage lawn abundant in wild blooms to the crisp, clean lines of a contemporary urban space – Barlow Tyrie has a wide range of styles to suit most spaces – from heritage to modern, large or small.