Refinishing Teak Outdoor Furniture: How To, Tips, and Tricks

Not only is teak beautiful, but—thanks to its naturally high oil content and tight grain—it's also waterproof, impervious to termites, extremely durable, and resistant to rot and mold. If sourced properly, teak is also a great, sustainable material for outdoor furniture.

Over time, teak will naturally age to a handsome silver-gray. This gradual process usually takes 5-12 months depending on local weather conditions. While plenty of people choose to maintain their weathered teak, if you want to restore your teak outdoor furniture to its original honey color, it’s easy to restore your furniture’s original beauty with just a bit of elbow grease.

Before you begin refinishing your teak furniture, you’ll need to assemble the necessary supplies:

• A garden hose
• Teak cleaner
• A sander with 80-grit and 150-grit paper
• Rubber gloves and protective eyewear 
• Plastic and wire brushes
• A few sponges
• Teak protector
• Staining pads
• A tarp or sheet to protect the ground

First, sand your teak outdoor furniture down with 80-grit paper until the outer surface layer of gray, weathered teak is removed. Use your hose to remove any buildup, and scrub your furniture with teak cleaner, working in small sections until everything is clean. 

Once you’re finished scrubbing, rinse the teak furniture with clean water to remove any residue. After rinsing, allow the teak furniture to air dry completely. After your teak furniture is clean and dry, sand once again, this time with 150-grit paper, which should create a fine, smooth finish. Brush away any dust or debris.

Complete the refinishing process by applying an even coat of teak protector. This will protect your furniture from the sun, water, and other elements and slow down the weathering process. 

Outdoor teak furniture will typically weather over the course of 9-12 months, depending on the amount of UV light it gets. You can apply a high-quality teak oil every 3 months and practice proper teak furniture care to help maintain the teak’s natural color and sheen. You can also invest in a protective furniture cover to preserve your teak furniture when it’s not in use and consider storing your teak patio furniture in the winter.