Does Teak Furniture Need to Be Covered?

Teak is one of the few timbers that can stay outdoors through a British winter without structural harm, which makes covering it a choice rather than a requirement. This guide explains why the natural oils and tight grain of teak resist water, insects and warping, and what the silver patina actually does once it forms. We set out the four situations where a cover genuinely earns its place, from gardens under trees to coastal plots and long winter storage, and the crucial condition that any cover must breathe, since a sealed tarpaulin traps damp and causes the black spotting people blame on the weather. There is a practical routine for washing and sealing teak, an explanation of why pressure washers should never be used, a ranked list of winter storage options, and guidance on grades and fixings that make a hardwood set last, plus answers on colour, cleaning frequency and oils....