How do I care for a weathered teak bench?

Outdoor teak naturally develops a silvery surface patina that protects the timber without requiring oils or varnishes. Simply wash the bench periodically with mild soapy water to remove accumulated dirt. Indoor pieces require only occasional dusting and protection from direct heat sources that might dry out the timber or natural cane components.

Can these garden benches stay outside all year?

Teak possesses natural oils that make it exceptionally resistant to dampness, frost, and changing weather conditions. Many examples spend decades outdoors exposed to the elements. During harsh winter months, storing them under cover or using a breathable protective sheet can further preserve structural joinery.

How can I tell the age of a teak bench?

Dating relies on stylistic clues, construction methods, and the depth of the timber's weathered patina. Pieces from the nineteenth century often feature hand-carved details or regional Anglo-Indian joinery. Twentieth-century examples from the nineteen thirties typically display the simpler slatted forms associated with traditional English gardens.