Care Guide: Wooden Garden FurnitureUpdated 8 hours ago
Caring for your hardwood garden furniture
Hardwood garden furniture is built to last outdoors for decades. Each species has its own natural character — the grain, the variation in tone, and the way it weathers are all part of what makes hardwood furniture so enduring and beautiful.
Important — warranty: Failure to comply with the outlined care instructions for your wood type will invalidate your warranty. As natural products, hardwoods must be properly looked after. Please read this article in full before use.
Comparing the wood types
We offer furniture in teak, acacia, and eucalyptus. Here's how they compare to help you understand your furniture and its care needs.
| Acacia | Eucalyptus | Teak | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durability | Durable and naturally resistant to moisture. Should be covered when not in use. | Similar to acacia. Durable and resistant to moisture. Should be covered when not in use. | Exceptional hardness and density. Considered one of the strongest hardwoods and the premium choice for garden furniture. |
| Natural resistance | Natural oils provide resistance to decay, insects, and moisture. | Contains natural oils that contribute to resistance to deterioration. | Natural oils and silica content make it highly resistant to water, decay, and insects. |
| Colour | Variety of colours with attractive grain patterns. Our range uses lighter tones. | Honey-brown with a slight red undertone of warmth. | Rich golden honey-brown that weathers to silvery-grey over time if left untreated. |
| Maintenance | Requires more regular cleaning. We recommend using our Shield for extra protection. | Requires regular maintenance including sealing or oiling to protect from the elements. | Low maintenance. Can be left untreated to develop a weathered grey patina, or treated with a Protector or Shield to preserve the original colour. |
| Cost | Typically more affordable than teak — a good balance between cost and durability. | Generally more budget-friendly than teak — a good compromise between cost and quality. | Higher price point due to premium qualities. Requires less maintenance than acacia or eucalyptus. |
Natural characteristics — what to expect
As natural products, all hardwoods will develop certain characteristics over time. Understanding these will help you recognise what is completely normal.
Cracks, splits, and the maturing process
All wooden furniture will naturally show signs of ageing over time. You may begin to notice small cracks or hairline splits developing in the wood — this is part of the normal maturing process and is completely to be expected.
Wood reacts to changes in both humidity and temperature throughout the year. As it adjusts to its environment it will naturally expand and contract with the seasons — it is this process that leads to hairline cracking and splitting. Your wood will naturally acclimatise once it has been in position for a while and once weather conditions stabilise. This may be especially noticeable during extreme conditions such as prolonged rainy periods or heatwaves.
Please be reassured: Hairline cracks and splits are purely superficial and do not compromise the structural integrity or longevity of your furniture — the wood beneath the surface remains completely intact. Hairline cracks will also tend to reduce over time as the furniture settles into its environment.
Why do pieces in my set look different from each other?
In the same way that every tree in nature is unique, so are the furniture pieces made from them. It is perfectly normal for each piece to have a slightly different grain pattern, tone, or wood character. This variation is a hallmark of genuine hardwood furniture, not a defect.
Knots
Knots are naturally occurring in all wooden products and are nothing to worry about. They do not weaken the product in any way — they add a distinctive charm and make each piece truly unique.
Colour change — the wood breathing
Over time, the natural oils in hardwood furniture will begin to lift from the surface — this is known as the wood ‘breathing’. This typically begins within the first one to two weeks of the furniture being outdoors. We recommend wiping the wood with a clean, dry cloth during this period to absorb any excess oils and prevent them from staining surrounding items.
As the wood is exposed to the elements over a longer period, it will gradually change colour — typically from the warm honey tone of new wood to a silver-grey patina. If left untreated for extended periods, this patina can develop into a darker grey-green appearance. See the section below on how to maintain or restore colour if this is not the look you want.
Important: We recommend keeping cushions stored away from the furniture during the first two weeks outdoors while the wood has time to breathe and release its initial oils.
Always use placemats and coasters
Always use placemats and coasters to protect surfaces from dinnerware and glassware. Remove mats and coasters when the furniture is not in use. Wipe any spills immediately to prevent permanent staining.
Routine cleaning
Use warm soapy water and a soft brush or cloth, working along the grain. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry naturally. Always wipe spills immediately to prevent permanent staining. For more stubborn soiling, a specialist teak cleaner can be used — always follow the manufacturer's instructions and rinse thoroughly.
Acacia additional note
Acacia requires more regular cleaning than teak. Dry with a cloth rather than leaving to air-dry, and avoid soaking the wood or leaving standing water on the surface. Check the surface more frequently during damp periods.
Avoid for all wood types: Do not use detergents containing ammonia or silicone — these can cause cracks in the wood. Do not use abrasive brushes, steel wire wool, or bleach. Do not pressure wash — use a garden hose instead.
Natural finish — treatment and protection
Allow new furniture to breathe for 10–14 days outdoors before applying any treatment. Do not apply any treatment to brand new furniture before this breathing period has passed.
Teak
Teak can be left completely untreated if you are happy for it to weather naturally to a silver-grey patina. If you prefer to maintain the original honey-brown colour, apply our Golden Care Teak Protector after the breathing period. For an additional barrier against water and staining, apply our Teak & Hardwood Shield approximately every 12 months, or when you notice the wood is no longer repelling water. The Shield also contains a built-in mould and mildew inhibitor.
Please note: The timing of treatments may vary depending on your local climate — in high-rainfall, high-humidity, or high-UV environments you may need to treat earlier than the standard 12-month cycle. Observe the decolourisation of your teak to help determine when treatment is needed.
Acacia
Acacia is slightly less oily than teak and benefits from more regular treatment. We strongly recommend using the Teak & Hardwood Shield for extra protection — it creates an additional barrier against water, staining, and mould. Apply approximately every 12 months, or when the wood is no longer repelling water. To preserve or restore the original colour, use the Golden Care Teak & Hardwood Care Kit.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus behaves similarly to teak outdoors and will weather to a silver-grey if left untreated. For maintenance or colour restoration, use the Golden Care Teak & Hardwood Care Kit. For additional water and stain protection, apply the Teak & Hardwood Shield approximately every 12 months.
Whitewash finish
Whitewash finish (all wood types): Do not apply teak oil, protector, or any sealers not formulated for white-painted wood — these will stain and lift the finish. Clean gently with a soft, damp cloth and mild soap only. Avoid abrasive brushes or scourers. Refresh the finish annually with a suitable white outdoor wood maintenance paint or wax.
How to protect your wood — video guide
Our team has put together a practical video guide on protecting and maintaining your wooden garden furniture.
Mould and mildew
Wood is naturally porous and can attract mould, particularly when stored in damp, warm, or poorly ventilated conditions. The most effective prevention is keeping furniture dry and well-ventilated at all times.
To prevent mould:
Never cover furniture until it is completely dry. Store in a well-ventilated area rather than an airtight space. If covering outdoors, check beneath the cover at least once a month. Elevate furniture slightly off the ground when storing outdoors to improve air circulation and prevent moisture absorption from below.
If you notice mould:
Wipe away early spores immediately with a dry cloth. For more established mould, clean with warm water and dish washing detergent (ensuring it does not contain ammonia or silicone). If detergent alone is not effective, use a mix of distilled white vinegar and warm water — one cup of water to three tablespoons of white vinegar. Rinse thoroughly with clean warm water and dry completely before covering or storing again.
If black staining remains after killing the mould:
If mould is left too long it can penetrate the wood and killing it may not remove the staining. In the warmer months (from April onwards), natural sunlight will gradually bleach and lighten black mould stains — UV light is germicidal and will continue to work on residual marks over time.
Please note: We do not recommend using bleach to remove mould from wooden furniture, as this can damage the wood.
Winter storage and furniture covers
During colder months and periods of heavy rain, store your furniture in a dry, well-ventilated location — a garage, shed, or covered outdoor area is ideal. Before storing, clean thoroughly, allow to dry completely, and apply the Teak & Hardwood Shield for an extra layer of protection. Always remove cushions and store them separately indoors in a cool, dry place — never leave cushions under a furniture cover.
If storing outdoors under a cover, use a breathable, non-PVC-backed furniture cover — we highly recommend our own Stormtex covers, designed specifically for protecting wooden garden furniture. Our AeroCover range is also a great option. Ensure there is reasonable airspace between the cover and flat wooden surfaces such as tabletops and sofa arms; direct contact prevents the wood from breathing. Use a cover support pole to lift the cover away from flat surfaces. If storing outdoors, elevate the furniture off the ground using wooden blocks or supports.
Important: Do not use a PVC-backed cover on wooden furniture — this traps moisture and is not recommended. Always check beneath the cover at least once a month for any signs of mould or mildew growth.
Quick reference — do and avoid for all hardwoods
How to clean your wooden furniture — video guide
A step-by-step guide to cleaning and caring for your wooden garden furniture.
Seasonal maintenance checklist
Work through this at the start of each season to keep your hardwood furniture in top condition.
- Clean all surfaces with warm soapy water and a soft brush, working along the grain
- Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry fully before applying any treatment
- Apply Teak & Hardwood Shield or Protector if due — approximately every 12 months (natural finishes only)
- Refresh whitewash paint or wax on whitewash-finished pieces if the coating looks worn
- Check for any mould or mildew — treat immediately if found and do not re-cover until fully dry
- Check all fixings and tighten any screws or bolts that have worked loose
- Inspect furniture covers — check for tears and confirm they are breathable non-PVC covers
- Bring out cushions from storage and check for mould, odour, or damage before use