Teak garden furniture is naturally resistant to insects, moisture and rot. It can last decades, even when left on the patio all year in our damp climate. Thanks to its high natural oils, it is one of the most durable types of wood, making it well-suited to the weather conditions in the UK. The Wood Database highlight its rot resistance by stating that:
"Grain is straight, though it can occasionally be wavy or interlocked. Coarse, uneven texture and moderate to low natural lustre. Raw, unfinished wood surfaces have a slightly oily or greasy feel due to natural oils.Teak has been considered by many to be the gold standard for decay resistance, and its heartwood is rated as very durable."
Of course, that built-in weather resistance comes at a cost and as with all timbers, it will weather over time. Many love the silvery-grey patina that forms when its exposed to the elements, which doesn't compromise its structural integrity. and will in fact help to protect it further. However, if you want to keep those rich amber-like tones, it will need to be properly cared for.
What we love most about it here at Lazy Susan is that warm, rich appearance that will bring a natural feel to any outdoor space. So for us, any weathering is a big no-no. We want to keep that golden-brown hue, and to do that it must be stored, protected, and preserved with regular treatments.
Like our cast aluminium, teak garden furniture often has a more classic and timeless aesthetic, which suits both contemporary and traditional garden styles. Also, like our range, teak generally requires little in the way of maintenance to stay functional. Its dense grain structure makes it naturally durable, meaning you won’t need to replace it frequently. The big difference between the two materials is that you will need to treat teak to maintain the original colour.
If we had to pick a favourite wood for garden furniture, teak would win hands down. Unlike many other types of timber used across our industry, it is less prone to warping or cracking in cold or damp conditions, making it a solid option for our gardens. Many retailers in the UK also now source their teak from sustainable, certified forests too, so if you're eco-conscious, then make sure you look for FSC-certified teak to ensure responsible sourcing.
How to store and protect teak garden furniture in winter
To protect your teak garden furniture from dampness and cold this winter, then we would recommend you follow these simple steps to maintain its quality and ensure it lasts:
1. Clean
Before you store or cover it, it is important to clean it. Start with a good wash down to remove dirt and debris. Use a few drops of washing-up liquid in warm water or a specialist teak cleaner, and scrub gently with a sponge or soft-bristle brush.
2. Rinse
Rinse thoroughly with water, ideally using a low-pressure hose to avoid damage, and remove any soapy residue.
3. Dry
Once rinsed, wipe down with an old towel to remove any surface water. You don't want watermarks on your teak garden table, for example. Then leave the wood to air dry and make sure the furniture is fully dry before you cover or store it to prevent mould or mildew from forming during the winter.
4. Protect
Apply a specialist teak protector or winter wood sealant to protect, nourish, and preserve the wood’s natural colour. We love teak oil but we only tend to use it in the summer to give it a nice lustre and some UV protection. In the winter we prefer something that seals and protects it from higher moisture levels and fluctuating/freezing temperatures.
5. Store
If possible, store your teak garden furniture in a garage, or shed, or move to a sheltered part of the garden to avoid direct exposure to wind, snow, rain, and frost.
6. Cover
If you can’t store it inside, then we would strongly recommend that you invest in high-quality, breathable outdoor furniture covers that are water and UV-resistant. Breathability is key to prevent moisture build-up under the covers, which can lead to mildew.
7. Secure
Ensure the covers are snug around the furniture and that there is good airflow. Look for covers that have a secure way to fasten them in place such as pull cords or velcro straps. In our experience, individual covers for each piece are easier to secure, put on, and less likely to blow off.
8. Elevate
If your teak garden furniture is staying outdoors, then you should also try to keep it off the ground by placing it on rubber feet cups or risers to help airflow, prevent its sitting in water pooling, and protect the wood from ground frost.
9. Inspect
Over winter, regularly check your furniture for signs of dampness, mould, or mildew. If the worst should happen, clean it off promptly to prevent spreading. Don’t let dirt and debris such as damp leaves sit on the surface of the wood for too long as it can stain it and regularly wipe off spiders, etc.
10. Re-Treat
If you live in an area with regular heavy rain or snow, then it might need a mid-winter touch-up with a teak protector. However, in our experience, one treatment is usually enough to protect it over the British winter.
By cleaning, covering, and sheltering your teak garden furniture properly, you’ll help preserve its natural beauty and durability for many years.
Why cast aluminium might be a better choice than teak
As much as we love teak garden furniture and appreciate its natural beauty, of course, we are team cast aluminium. Rust-resistant and weatherproof it is ideal for the frequent wet weather we see here in the UK.
It is a sturdy and robust metal but is much lighter than teak garden furniture, making it easier to move or rearrange. Convenient if you like to reconfigure your outdoor space in summer or when you want to cover or store your furniture during wintertime.
Cast aluminium garden furniture is naturally rust-resistant, which makes it highly suited to wet wintery conditions. It won’t corrode, and the durable powder-coated finish we apply provides extra weather protection without the need for any reapplication or additional protection.
Teak is relatively low maintenance compared to other types of wood, but cast aluminium requires even less in the way of maintenance. An occasional wash with a squirt of washing-up liquid or car shampoo in warm water is usually enough to keep it looking like new.
Aluminium garden furniture is generally less expensive than a teak equivalent set, so it’s a good option if you’re looking for affordable quality. Our extensive range is primarily focused on dining with coordinating accessories, all in our trademark versatile classic style that fits so well with UK homes and gardens.
Of course, if it is wood you want and not metal, then our advice would be to spend more and go for teak outdoor furniture. It will save you money in the long run. It is extremely durable and resilient to the damp weather we see at this time of year and it can last for decades if maintained, offsetting that higher upfront cost.
Our cast aluminium outdoor furniture range is rust-proof and lightweight, making it practical to move and store. Plus, it is more affordable, will last just as long if not longer, and doesn’t require seasonal treatments or protection from the elements, saving you further time and money.
Our final thoughts on teak garden furniture vs cast aluminium outdoor furniture…
Teak outdoor furniture is naturally durable and can withstand even the harshest winters we see here in the UK. However, to prevent it from developing a patina and looking weathered, we would suggest you take these steps to protect it.
Who knows what this winter will bring, so now is the time to consider purchasing some breathable garden furniture covers if you don’t have them. Ensure the cover is properly fitted and allows for air to circulate to prevent moisture buildup.
If you’re in the market for new garden furniture for summer 2025, then choose teak if you want wood, and you’re willing to invest in a high-quality, long-lasting set that will deliver bags of warmth and durability. With the right maintenance routine, it will withstand our climate.
Alternatively, have a look at our cast aluminium outdoor dining range if you prefer a lighter, easy-to-move option with minimal maintenance, and are looking for a budget-friendly classical style that offers better durability and suitability to the UK’s weather.
Both options are well-suited to our climate, so the best choice will depend on your style preference, budget, and willingness to maintain the furniture.
If you have our garden furniture, then we would love to see a few photos of it in your outdoor setting for our Do Some Good charity campaign. You can tag us @LazySusanFurniture on Instagram or Facebook or Upload Here.
