What are the steps of refinishing outdoor teak furniture?

Don’t trust your teak to just anyone! Teak Master has been in business for more than 13 years and is the premier teak refinishing company in the greater LA area. We can help you with your deck, fence, gazebo, furniture and more.

Teak is a tropical hardwood that is very dense with fine graining. The wood gradually releases inherent oils that protect it from splintering, warping, rot and invasive insects. This combination of properties makes it an ideal wood for the construction of outdoor furniture.

New teak has a warm brown color while weathered teak takes on a soft gray patina. How to refinish teak furniture that has grayed with age requires minimal tools. Teak or tung oil, a lint free cloth, a soft bristle brush and sand paper are all the tools required to bring back the soft honeyed hues of new wood.


Clean the furniture with mild soap and water using a soft brush. Copper or brass wool or a soft floor scrubber is useful to scour tough stains and bird deposits. Do not use steel wool because it leaves tiny fragments behind that can clog pores and deter from the smoothness of the wood. Rinse the wood completely but never use a power washer, as pressure will cause the grain to raise and allow pores to clog. Let the wood dry thoroughly before proceeding to the next step. Teak refinishing can also repair scratches by sanding the dry surface with 400-grit sandpaper. Lightly sand the scratch in the same direction as the grain and rinse off any remaining dust. Allow furniture to dry out. Rub oil liberally into surfaces but be sure to remove any excess that does not soak into the wood readily. Sand lightly after oil is completely dry. Reapply every 3 to 12 months.


Teak refinishing with teak oil is the most effective way to preserve outdoor furniture in hot humid climates such as southern California. Teak oil has added ingredients that protect against U.V. rays; however, this oil is toxic and is not advisable for use on eating surfaces. Teak oil takes 24 to 48 hours to dry. Tung oil is an alternate preservative that is non-toxic and has a pleasant aroma. However, producers extract oil for the seeds of the Tung nut and contact can cause a reaction to those prone to nut allergies. Tung oil will usually dry in 12 hours. Both of these oils will soak into the wood and harden the surface, forming a layer of protection against the elements.

How to refinish teak in order to maintain the luster and durability of this splendid wood is a labor of love. Teak furniture defines elegance. Its presence enhances the beauty of your home and insures decades of lasting comfort and enjoyment for you and your guests.

Give teak master a call to restore the beauty to your teak wood today! We’re committed to bringing the luster and natural beauty back to your teak!