The short answer is yes. Teak is one of the very few timbers that can genuinely stay outside all year round, through a British autumn and winter, without coming to any harm. It is the reason teak has been the timber of choice for boat decks and outdoor furniture for centuries. So if the evenings are drawing in and you are wondering whether to haul everything into the shed, if you have purchased teak garden furniture from Ottena then you can relax a little.
That said, “it survives” and “it looks its best” are not quite the same thing. A few simple steps this autumn will keep your teak patio furniture in lovely condition and ready to go the moment the weather turns again.
Why teak copes with winter so well
Teak’s secret is in the timber itself. It contains a high level of natural oils and a dense, tight grain. Together, these do two things. The oils repel water and resist the fungi that cause rot. The tight grain leaves very little room for moisture to work its way in. That is why teak does not warp, split or rot the way softer woods do when left out in the wet and cold.
Frost is not a problem either, as teak absorbs so little water in the first place that there is very little moisture inside to freeze, expand and crack the wood. This is exactly why teak is trusted on the decks of ships, where it spends its entire life exposed to salt water and weather.
What to expect over the colder months
The main change you will notice is colour. Left outdoors, teak weathers from its warm honey-brown to an elegant silvery grey. This is completely natural, it is purely a surface effect and it does not weaken the wood in any way. Many people love the silver-grey look and leave their garden furniture to age gracefully. If you prefer the original golden tone, a clean and a light treatment in spring will bring it back.
You may also see the grain lift very slightly or the odd fine surface crack appear over a cold, wet spell. This is the teak furniture responding to changes in temperature and humidity, it typically settles down again as conditions even out. It is normal and nothing to worry about.
Preparing your teak garden furniture for winter
A little care in autumn goes a long way. Here is a simple checklist:
- Give it a clean first. Before the worst of the weather arrives, wash the furniture down with warm water, a little mild soap and a soft brush, working with the grain. Removing built-up dirt, pollen and grime now stops it setting in over winter.
- Let it dry, then leave it to breathe. Teak needs air. Once clean, let it dry naturally rather than sealing damp wood away.
- Deal with standing water. Puddling on flat surfaces such as tabletops is the one thing worth keeping an eye on. Sitting your furniture where water can drain away, and occasionally clearing leaves and debris that trap moisture, is all it takes.
- Lift it off wet ground if you can. Standing furniture directly on soggy grass or soil for months encourages damp and staining at the feet. A patio, decking or a couple of pads underneath helps.
Do you need to cover it?
You do not have to. Teak garden furniture is perfectly happy uncovered all winter. Covers are optional and come down to preference.
If you do use a cover, choose a breathable one designed for outdoor furniture, and make sure it fits well and is secured against the wind. The mistake to avoid is trapping moisture underneath. A cheap, non-breathable sheet can hold damp against the wood and actually encourage mould and mildew, which is the opposite of what you want. Breathable, well fitted and only over dry furniture is the rule.
Cushions and parasols are a different story
While the teak frame can stay put, the soft furnishings should not. Cushions, seat pads and fabric parasols are not built to sit out in months of rain and frost, and they will fare far better stored somewhere dry. Bring cushions indoors or into a dry shed or garage, and take parasols down, dry them off and store them closed. Your parasol will thank you for it come next summer.
Should you oil it before winter?
There is no need to oil teak to protect it over winter, the wood does not require it to survive the cold and wet. Oiling is a cosmetic choice for keeping or restoring that golden colour. If that is your aim, spring is generally the better time for treatment once the furniture is clean, dry and settled after the winter. Through the colder months, simply letting it weather is absolutely fine.
The bottom line
Teak garden furniture can stay outside all year. It is one of the genuine joys of owning it. Give it a clean before winter sets in, keep standing water and wet ground in check, bring your cushions and parasols indoors, and let the teak do what it has always done. Come spring, a quick wash is usually all it takes to have it looking wonderful again.
