Teak garden benches are renowned for their natural beauty, longevity and inherent resilience making them the gold standard for outdoor furniture in Britain. However, there is a persistent debate among homeowners regarding whether or not to oil teak furniture. In this guide we explore why experts often advise against oiling your teak garden bench and why natural ageing is often the superior choice.
Understanding the science behind teak wood will help you make an informed decision to protect your investment and ensure your garden bench remains a focal point for decades.
The Hidden Risks of Using Teak Oils
While numerous teak care products flood the market promising to maintain the wood's original honey colour, they often come with a significant price tag and hidden consequences. Experts advise steering clear of these chemical treatments for several key reasons.
Harmful Chemical Composition
Many commercially available oils incorporate harsh chemicals that can potentially harm your furniture. These substances can strip away the natural oils and essential minerals that are crucial for the long-term health and integrity of high quality teak.
Disrupting Natural Self Cleaning
Subjecting your teak to oil treatments risks diminishing its natural self cleaning properties. These products create an artificial barrier that prevents the timber's natural oils from surfacing. This makes the wood reliant on continuous, costly treatments and can ultimately lead to the timber turning a dark, unsightly black as the oil traps dirt and moisture.
Impact on Longevity and Guarantees
The use of contemporary cleaning compounds, oils or preservatives can actually curtail the lifespan of your timber. It is important to note that opting for these products may compromise the integrity of your garden bench and can void the 10 year guarantee offered at the point of sale.
Effective Cleaning and Maintenance Without Oil
If you wish to reduce the 'greying' effect often found on ageing teak benches or simply want to clean away surface dirt, algae and atmospheric fallout there is a safer way to maintain your furniture without the risks of oiling.
The Natural Mellowing Process
Over time, quality teak will mellow to a beautiful, classic silvery grey patina. This is purely aesthetic and does not affect the strength of the wood. Most garden enthusiasts prefer this look as it blends perfectly with the natural landscape.
Specialist Teak Cleaners
For those who prefer a fresher look, we recommend using a professional grade teak cleaner. This helps restore the appearance of the wood by deep cleaning the grain without the damaging effects of oils. You can find our recommended Professional Teak Bench Cleaner on our website to help maintain your garden bench safely.
The Wealden Bench Difference ~ Personalisation, Expertise and Trust
Choosing the right care method is essential for protecting your investment. At Wealden Benches, we specialise in traditionally joined, solid teak garden benches designed to stand the test of time without the need for synthetic preservatives.
Whether you have a 2 seat garden bench or a larger model, we provide the expertise needed to help you make the right choice for your garden. If you have any further questions about maintaining your teak garden furniture, please do not hesitate to reach out. You can contact Wealden Benches directly on 01580 201518.