Most of our furniture pieces are made from either the finest Indonesian plantation teak or reclaimed teak. We at Batavia Home utilize only renewable materials from ecologically managed forests in Indonesia to ensure their continuing existence.

Teak is one of the most highly valued wood materials in the world due to its strength, durability, and beautiful grains. However, teak is still a natural material that requires certain care to ensure its beauty for years to come.

Care and Maintenance for Indoor Teak Furniture

• All of Batavia Home teak furniture has been kiln-dried to a proper level that allows it to adapt to the average humidity of most homes. Because of its porous nature, wood continues to exchange moisture with the surrounding air as climate changes. Notice how your bathroom door reacts in winter months compared to spring and summer months. Ideally, wood furniture needs to be placed in rooms that are properly humidified. Dry climates and lack of humidity, especially in winter months and hot summer months (when air conditioning unit works at full strength), can cause damage to any wood furniture. We recommend keeping your wood furniture in rooms with 40-45% humidity.
• Avoid placing furniture near heater, air conditioning unit, and fireplaces.
• Avoid direct sunlight, which may darken or lighten your wood furniture.
• Always use felt pads under any electronics, glasses, hot dishes/cups, flowerpots, and heavy objects to prevent discoloration and scratches on surface.
• Avoid certain chemicals and materials, such as rubber, that may react with wood finishes.
• Use soft cloth to remove dust.
• Use Jasco reusable cloth to remove white water, heat, alcohol marks and/or minor surface scratches. The Jasco reusable cloth is especially made for varnish, lacquer and shellac finishes without stripping. This product is available at Batavia Home store.
• Periodic application of quality wood paste wax provides additional protection from scratches and spills (i.e. Briwax).

Batavia Home will not be held responsible if you are not satisfied with the product results or if you do not properly follow the instructions on the label.

Care and Maintenance for Outdoor Teak Furniture

All of Batavia Home outdoor furniture collection is made from the finest Indonesian plantation teak. Teak is widely known as one of the finest wood materials in the world for indoor/outdoor furniture because of its strength, durability, and beautiful grains. We utilize only renewable materials from ecologically managed forests in Indonesia to ensure their continuing existence. With little or no maintenance, teak will keep smooth to touch, will not rot away like many other woods, and will last for many years to come. For resistance against the effects of the rain, snow, cold, heat and sun, below are guidelines that will allow your furniture to give you a lifetime of enjoyment.

The Weathering Process for Outdoor Teak Furniture

Your furniture will appear polished when it is first arrived. Upon delivery to your home, wipe lightly with a damp cloth to remove any dust from manufacturing. The polished appearance comes from oil occurring naturally in the wood. The oil on the surface will evaporate after a few days outdoors - it is the oil that remains below the surface that gives the wood its durability.

When left outdoors, the furniture will turn to a soft silvery gray. This process will take approximately nine months, depending on the amount of sunlight and rain exposure. If you have an extendable table, leaving the table leaves extended ensures a uniform weathering effects of the tabletop. During the weathering process a slight "checking" or lifting of the grain may occur on the top edges of the arms and legs. You may even notice a few small cracks. This is perfectly normal, as wood expands and contracts slightly when left outdoors. The grain will return to its original smooth finish after the initial weathering process and has no effect on the stability of the furniture in any way. To aid this process, simply clean the furniture with a soft bristle brush or sponge. Water spots or other discoloration may also occur during the weathering process. These will even out, and the furniture will achieve a uniform silvery gray.

Cleaning Your Outdoor Teak Furniture

General cleaning is recommended to wash away dirt from surfaces. We recommend that for each gallon of water, you add 1/4 cup liquid detergent and 1/4 cup bleach. Use a soft bristle brush to clean your furniture. When you are finished, rinse the entire piece to remove the dirt and any remaining solution. This is sufficient for general cleaning. For deeper cleaning- grease, wine stain etc.- we recommend light use of teak cleaner. Heavier use of teak cleaner may remove some of the silvery gray patina and restore the furniture's original color.

Maintaining Your Outdoor Furniture for Indoor Use

If you decide to use your outdoor teak furniture indoors, we recommend applying a thin coat of paste wax, (i.e. Briwax or Johnson's wax) periodically.

Batavia Home will not be held responsible if you are not satisfied with the product results or if you do not properly follow the instructions on the label.

Cushions

Before placing the cushion or umbrella canvas on the furniture, remove any dust or dirt by wiping the furniture with a damp cloth. Your furniture contains oil. Expect some of these oils to bleed out following the first few rainfalls. In order to protect your cushions, bring them in when the furniture is wet. Once the furniture has begun to form the silvery gray patina, it is no longer necessary to bring the cushions indoors.

When cushions are wet from the rain, leave the cushions to dry in the sun to prevent mildew growth. Unzipping the cover will help the cushions to dry faster. During the winter months, bring the cushions in to prolong their life span.

In addition, there are teak maintenance products that can be used to enhance the weathering process:

To Restore, Clean and Brighten

Teak Cleaner restores weathered teak furniture to a light blonde color. It not only removes dirt, food stains, and molds but also brings back the original color of teak and brightens your teak furniture. Teak Cleaner is a water-based formula so it is eco-friendly and non hazardous.

To Protect and Enhance the Silver Patina

Teak Patinizer protects the teak wood against the growth of molds and mildew while enhancing the teak color to a soft silvery gray. This product is water based and non hazardous. Apply only on furniture after it has weathered 4-8 weeks and only after it is cleaned.

To Protect the Golden Color

Teak Protector maintains the original color of teak up to 4 times longer than teak oil. This product will maintain the color for a season and can be reapplied as needed. Teak Protector does not contain oil and is non-greasy, so clothes stay clean. It is a water-based formula, so it is eco-friendly and non hazardous. Only apply after Teak Cleaner or on new teak furniture. Please ensure that new teak furniture is cleaned from any dust before applying Teak Protector.

We suggest that you try the Teak Protector on a small area of the furniture first. Batavia Home will not be held responsible if you are not satisfied with the product results or if you do not properly follow the instructions on the label.

Teak Maintenance Products are available at the Batavia Home store.

Clean, protect, maintain and enjoy your outdoor teak furniture!