Strength & Softness
Comfort & Colour
Teak, 'the king of woods'
In the world of outdoor furniture, nothing surpasses teak. This pure dense-grained wood sits at the top of its class for strength, durability and longevity – all while looking and feeling beautiful. Whether you’re into its stunning honey tones, or looking to develop its coveted ‘silver fox’ patina, our solid Indonesian teak exudes luxury, sophistication and style. Packed with natural rubber and oil, this exceptional wood is built to withstand the harshest outdoor conditions, providing you with years (and years) of enjoyment and relaxation.
Care Instructions
SUNBRELLA®
When it comes to maintaining the timeless beauty of your Sunbrella® fabric, less really is more. To protect and preserve its appearance, we recommend the following care tips:
Spills:
Blot (don’t rub) any spilt liquid with a clean, dry cloth. For oil-based spills, apply an absorbent (such as cornflour or baking soda) then remove with a straight edge. Spray on a mild cleaning solution of soap (such as dawn or woolite) and water, or use Sunbrella Clean™ Multi-Purpose Fabric Cleaner. Rinse the fabric thoroughly to remove all soap residue. Air dry.
Dirt:
Use a dry brush to clean off any excess. Spray on a mild cleaning solution of soap (such as dawn or woolite) and water. Rinse using a soft sponge or brush. Air dry.
For troublesome stains. Feel free to get in touch (if we can help, we will!) or head over to the Sunbrella Care and Cleaning Page to view their customer care menu. They have a recipe for any kind of mark - from red wine to chewing gum.
Sunny days:
As well as being easy to care for, resilient and stylish, Sunbrella® is also fade resistant - so you can relax knowing
your cushions won’t discolour in the sun, no matter how harsh the rays (we’re looking at you, Hawke’s Bay).
Winter and wet seasons:
In winter months or during times of heavy rain, we recommend bringing any cushions or fabric items indoors - or, if you’d prefer to keep your DEK pieces outside year-round, we suggest covering them with a sturdy, breathable cover.
TEAK
When it comes to maintaining the timeless beauty of your teak furniture, less really is more. To protect and preserve its appearance, we recommend the following care tips:
Regular cleaning:
Gently clean your teak furniture with mild soap and water to remove dirt and debris. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or brushes that may damage the wood. To remove grease spots, a light scrub with a mild degreasing agent is recommended, with additional fresh-water rinsing afterward.
Teak sealer:
Applying a teak sealer once or twice a year helps maintain the honey colour (if this is your preferred aesthetic) and protects the wood from weathering.
Minimal maintenance:
Unlike many other outdoor materials, teak requires minimal maintenance. Its natural oils protect it from rotting, warping, or cracking, allowing you to enjoy your furniture without constant upkeep.
Gold vs Silver:
To begin with, your DEK piece will sit proudly in the teak’s natural golden honey hues. Over time, the teak will sit more comfortably; developing its renowned silver-grey patina (aka the ‘silver fox’).
To retain the original honey tone:
We recommend you use a teak sealer. Teak sealers are typically solvent-based, with a thin, water-like consistency and contain protection against UV rays, consistent moisture and mould. Generally speaking, a teak sealer will deepen the colour of your teak slightly and will not retain the original raw sheen. Teak sealers are easy to apply and require reapplication every 6-12 months - depending on the product and your environment.
To encourage the silver fox:
When teak outdoor furniture is left outside, it will age naturally (and gracefully) eventually resulting in a handsome silver-grey sheen. Generally speaking, this natural patina will take 9-12 months to develop, depending on your setting. The silvering process does not negatively affect the strength, durability or integrity of the teak wood. Washing your teak will keep it clean and help to accelerate this process.
Winter/wet season storage and protection:
Teak outdoor furniture can be left outside all year round, regardless of the location. If you want to cover your
DEK pieces in winter, choose a cover that allows the teak to breathe. If you decide to store your teak furniture
indoors, avoid heated rooms. Teak will naturally expand and contract with weather changes over time. As teak wood ages, small cracks may appear on the wood’s surface - this natural process (called ‘checking’) does not negatively affect the teak wood’s durability or integrity. Teak furniture is renowned for its graceful ageing, long-standing durability and multi-generational appeal.