Wooden Garden Furniture Care: Complete Maintenance Guide

Winter Protection Essentials

Wood is a living material. Best practice: indoor winter storage. If impossible: quality breathable cover with peaked center for water runoff. Cheap plastic covers trap moisture and cause damage—avoid entirely.

Sap and Resin Management

• Crystallized resin: stiff brush removal
• Sticky resin: sharp knife scraping + white spirit cleaning
• Dark spots under trees: falling sap and aphid excretions—clean promptly

Teak Oil Application: The Right Way

Only on clean, dry furniture. Process:

1. Remove accumulated dirt: stiff brush + warm soapy water
2. Dry completely
3. Lightly sand rough areas
4. Apply teak oil sparingly with lint-free cloth
5. Focus on end grain, hidden surfaces, joints
6. Wipe excess oil
7. Dry fully before use

Warning: Oiling over dirt creates permanent black stains from oil-dirt mixture.

Patina and Cracking: Natural, Not Defects

• Silver-gray patina: unavoidable, varies by environment
• Hot weather surface cracks: normal, close with humidity return, no strength loss
• Teak oil (1-2x/season) slows both processes

Maintenance Checklist

• Remove dirt: stiff brush + warm water
• Warm soapy water wash
• Scrape sap with knife
• White spirit for residual sap
• Teak oil sparingly, lint-free cloth
• Wipe excess
• Dry thoroughly before use

Consistent care preserves your furniture's beauty and integrity for its full lifetime.