FAQ
Q – Why is teak wood superior to other options in patio furniture?
Long prized as a premium wood used for shipbuilding, teak has been used for centuries because of its hearty weather resistance, longevity and nice wear used in outdoor furniture products. When British ships became decommissioned, early furniture makers noticed the weatherproof advantages of teakwood and turned teak into the prime choice for elite patio furniture.
Because of its high degree of durability, stability, and resistance to moisture, decay and termites, teakwood can withstand almost anything. Teak is a tropically dense wood which usually comes from thick monsoon wooded areas, such as those that can be found in Asia or South America. Teak wood won’t splinter and weathers evenly, maintaining its nice ginger color for many years – especially when teak protectants are added to preserve the smooth finish. For a lifetime of use, teak outdoor furniture is unrivaled. Alternative tropical woods (e.g. iroko, ipe) have lower oil content and therefore, offer a shorter life span.
Q – Are all teak woods created equal?
Not really. Teak is a prime wood choice that has been categorized into three main grades ranging from A to C. These ratings factor in the appearance, knots and the kind of wood.
Vintage Country Hills uses exceptional Grade A teak wood for our furniture. Grade A teak is taken from the middle of the tree (a.k.a. the heartwood), which is the most mature section of the tree. The Grade A teakwood is typically produced from a tree of 30-50 years old. The characteristics of teak include a warm/honey color and being rich in oil. Grade A teakwood is 20-25% of the mature log, and proves to be more expensive.
The semi-mature outer heartwood produces Grade B teakwood, which is 25-35% of a mature teak log. With a warm color throughout, it is slightly less shiny than Grade A and has an occasional streak of black, with some splotches, knots and discoloration.
Grade C teakwood comes from sapwood, located in the outer – or the living – sections of the log. As the much more affordable teak, it is a particularly soft wood. With virtually no oil content and particularly high water content, it is the least-favored of the categories for durability.
Q – How do I best take care of my Vintage Country Hills teak patio furniture?
The great thing about teak wood is that it looks great – no matter how much attention you pay to it over the years. If you choose to maintain the original yellow look to your furniture, teak oil is your best way choice to clean teakwood.
Initial application: Teak oil is easy to apply with a cloth and must be used on a perfectly clean surface which has received no previous treatment.
Afterward, teak wood will take a slightly darker tint that will gradually become more lucid over time. Application should be in two or three layers. Wipe off the excess oil before it dries after each application. For best results, let your teak patio furniture dry for two to three days before using them. Never use regular wood cleaners with teak furniture.
Never replace your teak oil with wax or linen oil. Hard or metallic brushes, or any high pressure cleaning device may cause deterioration of the look and feel. Avoid using these types of brushes to ensure a long life for your patio furniture.
Please note that this course of oil treatment will require regular maintenance to ensure longevity and continued beauty.
Q – Can I really leave my Vintage Country Hills furniture outside all year?
Absolutely! As 100% Grade A teak furniture that has undergone proper drying time, Vintage Country Hills patio furniture can be left outdoors all year. It withstands the elements and comes back for more. With just a mild soap and a gentle bristle brush, you can remove any dirt and dust likely to settle.
Q – How well does teakwood age?
As a premiere example of a living wood, temperature and humidity will affect the moisture content of your teak patio furniture. The end result may be small cracks that appear in the end grain of your teak furniture’s arms and legs. These should disappear when the weather changes and will not impact the durability of your patio furniture.
Left in its natural state, teak will slowly evolve into a lovely silver-grey tone. If you prefer to retain the original golden yellow color, we recommend that you treat your Vintage Country Hills outdoor furniture with teak oil after you first purchase it or at least to touch it up during winter months.
Q – Why does my new teak furniture have darker stripes?
Dark stripes may appear if teak’s moisture level is lowered before it is crafted into furniture. These minor color variations are normal and will disappear once the furniture has been in the sun for a few days.
Q – How do I treat stains on my Vintage Country Hills teak patio furniture?
Stubborn stains, such as red wine, may be removed with a teak cleaner or by softly sanding the stain area with fine sandpaper.
Q – Where does Vintage Country Hills ship its furniture? We provide FREE delivery service to all of the 48 contiguous states.
