Storing Teak Garden Furniture in Winter
One of the best things about teak is that it can cope with a British winter. Its natural oils protect it from rot, so unlike many garden woods, solid teak doesn't have to be brought indoors. That said, a little preparation in autumn means less work in spring. Here's how to look after your teak through the colder months.
Can teak stay outside all winter?
Yes. Solid teak can stay outside year-round. Rain, frost and cold won't harm the wood itself. It will continue to silver naturally if it isn't oiled. The main things to manage over winter are dirt, algae, standing water and the cushions.
Step 1: clean before winter
Leaves, bird droppings and summer grime left on the furniture over winter encourage algae and stains.
- Brush off loose debris.
- Wash with warm water and a mild soap or teak cleaner, using a soft brush along the grain.
- Rinse and leave to dry completely.
Our teak care and oiling guide covers this in more detail.
Step 2: bring the cushions in
Cushions are the part that suffers most in winter. Even shower-proof cushions, like those with our dining sets and our bench cushion, should be stored indoors over winter:
- Make sure they are completely dry first.
- Store them somewhere dry and airy, such as a spare room, loft or dry shed, ideally in a breathable bag.
- Don't store them in a damp garage or sealed plastic, which can cause mildew.
Step 3: decide whether to leave out, cover or store
Leaving it out
If you leave furniture uncovered:
- Raise the feet slightly off soil or lawn (on paving slabs or small feet pads) so they aren't sitting in water.
- Avoid spots under dripping trees, which leave sap and stains.
- Tip chairs forward against the table, or lean benches back, so water runs off the seats.
Using covers
A cover keeps off leaves and dirt, but choose carefully:
- Use a breathable cover. Non-breathable plastic traps moisture and can cause mould.
- Make sure the cover doesn't touch the ground all round, so air can circulate.
- Don't cover furniture while it's wet.
Storing in a shed or garage
Indoor storage keeps furniture cleanest, but it must be dry and ventilated:
- Avoid storing teak next to a boiler, radiator or in a heated room. Sudden changes from cold and wet to warm and dry can cause cracks.
- Leave a gap between furniture and walls.
- Folding and stacking designs make this much easier. The Wentworth 4 seater set folds flat, as does our folding coffee table, and the chairs on our extending sets stack.
Step 4: the parasol
Close and tie your 3m parasol and store it indoors, or under a cover, over winter. Wind is a bigger risk to a parasol than rain. Make sure the canopy is dry before putting it away.
Step 5: check in occasionally
Every few weeks, brush off leaves and snow, and clear any water collecting on tables. Heavy snow sitting on furniture for weeks is best brushed off.
Getting ready for spring
When the weather warms up:
- Wash off any winter grime or green algae.
- Lightly sand any rough or raised grain once dry.
- Apply teak protector or oil if you prefer the golden colour.
- Check joints and fixings, and bring the cushions back out.
Thinking of new furniture for next season?
Winter is a good time to plan. Browse our teak garden dining sets for 4 to 10 people, classic teak benches and coffee tables. Everything is delivered to your door. Questions? Call us on 07585 007242.