Warmer weather means more time spent outdoors. But after a long winter battling the elements, including moisture and sunlight, our teak outdoor furniture is due for some serious R&R. Fortunately, restoring teak wood doesn’t require expert experience. If you’ve been bitten by the DIY bug and want to refresh your balcony, patio, or backyard furniture…
How To Restore Teak Outdoor Furniture
Restoring teak outdoor furniture might seem daunting, but the process is actually quite simple. According to Christina Muscari, a content creator and furniture flipper with over 10 years of experience, you can completely revamp your dry, lackluster wood furniture with just a few quick steps. She shared her technique for transforming silvered teak in a recent TikTok video, which we’ll outline below.
1. Start With a Pressure Wash
The first step to restoring teak outdoor furniture is pressure washing. This helps remove dirt, dust, grime, and other debris that clings to furniture. Pressure washing is so effective that you don’t need to add any special cleaner — plain water works great. Just be sure to use a low-pressure nozzle tip that’s safe for wood surfaces so you don’t damage your furniture. If you don’t own a pressure washer, you can scrub teak clean using mild dish soap, warm water, and a soft-bristled brush, though it will require a bit more elbow grease. Let your furniture dry overnight before moving on to step two.
2. Sand It Out
Once your furniture is nice and clean, use 120-grit sandpaper to buff away any imperfections, followed by 220-grit sandpaper to make sure everything is perfectly smooth. To take some of the effort out of it and speed up the process (especially if you’re restoring an entire furniture set), use an orbital sander.
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3. Stain Your Wood
After sanding, reach for a teak oil and stain blend to give the furniture some much-needed hydration and a fresh stain. This two-in-one product makes quick work of reviving teak, but it’s important to wear gloves when applying it. We also recommend using a drop cloth under your furniture to avoid any drips.
Pour some of the teak oil and stain blend onto your furniture and rub it in using a stain sponge or a clean, lint-free cloth, and allow it to set for 30 minutes. Then, apply a second coat and leave it on for 15 minutes. Finally, use a clean cloth to wipe away any excess. Your refinished teak furniture should be ready to enjoy in eight to 10 hours. For added protection, consider using a wood sealer. This step isn’t necessary, but it will slow down the natural silvering of the teak.
This home hack is part of Summer Spruce Up Week — seven days packed with ideas to get you ready for the season ahead. We’ll be sharing our best tips for stress-free grilling, memorable outdoor gatherings, and thriving summer gardens.
