Teak garden furniture holds up brilliantly against rain, snow, frost and sun – it barely flinches. Teak’s really one of the top choices for outdoor furniture because it handles moisture swings, heat and humidity like a champ. Perfect for our unpredictable British weather.
But here’s the thing: even though teak is tough as nails, winter still deserves a bit of thought. Yes, you can leave it outside year-round, but giving it some proper care when winter hits hard will keep it looking good and lasting longer.
Teak doesn’t need much fussing over, but you’ll want to watch out for things like water pooling on surfaces – that can slowly do damage. So should you cover your teak furniture when winter arrives? What happens if you just leave it be? And what’s the smartest way to look after it when it gets cold? We’ll go through all of that, including why winter care is a bit different from what you’d do the rest of the year.
​Why Winter Prep Matters for Teak Furniture
Teak furniture’s legendary durability doesn’t mean it’s completely invincible, especially during the challenging British winter months. Understanding how winter affects your teak garden furniture helps you make informed decisions about its protection.
​How cold and wet weather affects teak
Teak’s got natural oils that make it pretty resistant to moisture, bugs and rot – more so than most woods. Still, winter throws some real challenges its way.
When temperatures bounce around, teak responds like most wood does: it swells up when it’s warm and wet, then shrinks back when it’s cold. All that expanding and contracting puts stress on the joints and fastenings, which can slowly weaken the whole piece.
The bigger worry is what happens when it freezes and thaws repeatedly. Water gets into tiny cracks, then freezes when temperatures drop. Ice expands with serious force – it’s the same thing that creates potholes in roads and cracks up pavements. One winter of this can turn hairline cracks you’d never notice into visible damage.
Furthermore, prolonged dampness increases the risk of:
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Mildew growth
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Discolouration
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Surface deterioration
Although teak garden furniture covers provide protection, placement matters too. Avoid leaving your furniture in particularly damp areas with limited natural light exposure—even high-quality teak benefits from proper positioning.
​Why winter is different from other seasons
Winter presents unique challenges beyond those faced in other seasons. First, British winters bring “unpredictable and downright unpleasant weather conditions” that test even teak’s remarkable resilience. The combination of persistent rain, snow, and near-freezing temperatures creates particularly harsh conditions.
Additionally, winter sunlight affects teak differently than summer sun. The winter sun’s rays can:
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Break down the wood’s natural protective oils
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Accelerate colour changes from golden-brown to silvery-grey
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Reduce moisture resistance
In particular, the repeated cycles of freezing and thawing that occur throughout winter pose a greater threat than the consistent conditions of other seasons. As temperatures repeatedly bounce between freezing and thawing, each cycle potentially widens existing cracks.
Lastly, winter typically means less use of garden spaces, resulting in furniture sitting unused for months. This lack of regular cleaning and attention allows problems to develop unnoticed until spring, by which time more extensive restoration may be needed.
To protect your investment, consider furniture covers designed for different seating arrangements, which allow you to provide appropriate protection without excessive maintenance. For larger settings, specific options like 6-seater covers or 8-seater covers ensure complete protection during the harshest winter months.
​How to Prepare Teak Garden Furniture for Winter
Proper preparation is the key to maintaining your teak garden furniture throughout the winter months. Taking time to prepare your pieces before winter arrives can prevent damage and extend the life of your furniture.
​Clean with warm soapy water or teak cleaner
Initially, cleaning your furniture thoroughly removes dirt and debris that could cause problems during winter storage. As experts note, “excess moisture thrives on dirt for much longer than on a surface that’s clean”. This makes cleaning a crucial preventative measure against premature decay.
To clean your teak properly:
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Use a soft bristle brush or cloth
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Fill a bucket with warm soapy water (a few drops of washing-up liquid works well)
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Alternatively, use a specialist teak cleaner for stubborn marks
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Start from the top and work downward, including the underside
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Pay close attention to joints and crevices where moisture collects
For heavily soiled furniture, “scrub gently with a sponge or soft-bristle brush”. Remember to “rinse thoroughly with water, ideally using a low-pressure hose” to remove any soapy residue. For grease stains, a commercial-grade teak cleaner is recommended.
​Dry thoroughly before storage or covering
Subsequently, proper drying is essential before winter storage or covering. After cleaning, “wipe down with an old towel to remove any surface water” to prevent watermarks. Then allow the wood to air dry completely.
According to care experts, it’s imperative that “the furniture is fully dry before you cover or store it to prevent mould or mildew from forming during the winter”. A sunny day is ideal for this process, even in autumn or early winter.
Moreover, if you’re planning indoor storage, “it is important to make sure there is no moisture, as this can damage the furniture” and potentially discolour the teak’s golden-brown hue.
​Check for existing damage or stains
Prior to winter storage, inspect your teak garden furniture thoroughly. Check all “joints, screws, and connections” to ensure they’re secure. Tighten any loose screws or fasteners to maintain stability throughout winter.
Examine surfaces for “signs of wear, cracks, or peeling paint” as well as “splinters or signs of rot”. Addressing these issues promptly prevents further deterioration during winter months.
Additionally, clear off any bird droppings immediately, as “the ammonia will stain with prolonged contact, particularly over the winter when the furniture is not in regular use”.
For complete protection, consider a breathable furniture cover designed specifically for your furniture size—whether you need a rectangle 6-seater furniture cover, oval 8-seater furniture cover, or round 4-seater furniture cover.
​Should You Cover Teak Garden Furniture in Winter?
The question of whether to cover teak garden furniture in winter often sparks debate among garden enthusiasts. Whilst teak garden furniture can withstand outdoor conditions year-round, there are compelling reasons to consider using covers for additional protection.
​When covering is recommended
Covering is primarily recommended when you lack appropriate indoor storage space for your furniture. In such cases, a waterproof, breathable cover provides essential protection. Plus, covering becomes particularly important during the coldest winter months, with experts suggesting that you periodically remove the cover to release any trapped condensation.
For those who prefer maintaining teak’s golden-brown colour rather than allowing it to naturally silver, covers help slow this weathering process. Indeed, winter elements like snow and frost can accelerate the greying process that many owners wish to delay.
Covers also serve as a barrier against:
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Falling leaves and tree sap
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Bird droppings and animal mess
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Dust and dirt accumulation
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Regular rainfall and snow
Generally, using covers means less maintenance in spring as they prevent the build-up of grime that requires intensive cleaning.
​Choosing the right garden furniture cover
When selecting covers for your teak outdoor furniture, look for these essential features:
First, ensure the cover fits properly – too small and your furniture remains exposed; too large and water may collect in excess material or the cover might blow off in high winds. The Rectangle 6-Seater Furniture Cover and Oval 8-Seater Furniture Cover provide options for different sized settings.
Second, choose covers with secure fastening mechanisms like drawstrings to prevent them from being lifted off during windy conditions. For larger dining sets, products like the Rectangle 10-Seater Furniture Cover typically include these features.
A clever tip is placing a small, upturned plant pot in the centre of a table underneath the cover to create better air circulation. Notably, it’s usually better to select a slightly oversized cover rather than one that’s too small, as excess material can be tucked around table legs and chairs.
​Breathable vs non-breathable covers
The breathability of your cover is absolutely crucial for proper teak garden furniture care. Non-breathable covers such as standard plastic or vinyl tarps trap moisture between the cover and furniture, potentially causing more harm than good.
This trapped moisture can lead to:
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Mildew growth and black spots on the wood
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Deterioration of the very material you’re trying to protect
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Condensation issues that promote fungi
Conversely, breathable covers allow air to circulate while still repelling water. Materials like jute, cotton, or linen permit the natural qualities of teak to remain effective. For smaller settings, the Round 4-Seater Furniture Cover offers this essential breathability.
Some premium options even feature additional benefits such as UV-resistant coatings that prevent sun damage and high colour fastness that resists discolouration over time. Browse the full range of accessories to find the perfect protection for your investment.
​What Happens If You Don’t Cover It?
Leaving teak garden furniture uncovered throughout winter isn’t necessarily disastrous, but it does have consequences worth considering before making your decision.
​Risk of mould and mildew
Without protection, persistent winter dampness creates ideal conditions for unwanted organic growth. Unlike summer rain that typically dries quickly, winter moisture often lingers for days or even weeks on uncovered furniture. This extended dampness essentially becomes an invitation for mould and mildew to establish colonies, particularly in joints and crevices.
In fact, unprotected teak can develop black spots or greenish patches that not only look unsightly but may eventually affect the structural integrity of your furniture. These spots occur most commonly in areas where:
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Leaves and debris collect and hold moisture against the wood
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Furniture sits in shaded locations with limited air circulation
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Morning dew or frost repeatedly settles without proper drying
Nonetheless, quality covers like the Rectangle 6-Seater Furniture Cover or Oval 8-Seater Furniture Cover provide effective barriers against these conditions.
​Discolouration and surface cracks
Teak naturally weathers from honey-gold to silvery-grey when exposed to elements. Forthwith, leaving it uncovered in winter dramatically accelerates this process. Meanwhile, the freeze-thaw cycles characteristic of British winters cause microscopic surface cracks as moisture penetrates the wood, freezes, expands, and then thaws.
These tiny fissures may eventually develop into more noticeable cracks, particularly around joints where movement occurs. The wood’s natural oils, which provide its weather resistance, obviously deplete faster without protection, leaving it more vulnerable to damage.
​Increased cleaning and restoration in spring
Once winter ends, uncovered furniture typically requires significantly more maintenance. The restoration process involves:
More intensive cleaning to remove ingrained dirt and biological growth Possibly sanding to address raised grain and surface roughness Application of special cleaners or teak oil to restore appearance
For larger settings, the Rectangle 10-Seater Furniture Cover offers complete protection, while smaller arrangements benefit from the Round 4-Seater Furniture Cover. Browse the full range of accessories to find suitable protection for your specific teak outdoor furniture care needs.
​Best Practices for Storing and Protecting Teak
Proper storage techniques extend the lifespan of your teak garden furniture beyond simple covering. Following these methods ensures your investment remains pristine throughout harsh winter conditions.
​Indoor vs outdoor storage options
Ideally, store your furniture in unheated spaces such as garages, sheds, or covered porches. These locations shield your furniture from extreme elements simultaneously avoiding temperature shocks that occur in heated rooms. For sheds, remember to ventilate periodically to prevent musty odours developing. Alternatively, position furniture under verandas or porches when indoor space is limited.
​Using teak protector or shield
Apply specialised teak sealers annually to safeguard your teak garden furniture. Quality protectors like Burgess Hydrosol Woodsealer offer a ‘once-a-season’ treatment that shields against UV damage whilst enhancing natural weather resistance. Unlike ordinary teak oil, these sealants create a waterproof barrier that prevents moisture penetration, effectively stopping freeze-thaw damage cycles. Properly sealed furniture maintains its original honey-brown colour comparatively longer than untreated pieces.
​Raising furniture off damp ground
Never leave teak outdoor furniture directly on wet ground, as this promotes rotting from the legs upward. Instead, elevate furniture using:
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Wooden planks beneath legs
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Flat stones under each foot
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Purpose-made blocks providing at least 2 inches of clearance
This elevation ensures proper airflow underneath whilst preventing moisture absorption through ground contact.
​Conclusion
Taking proper care of your teak garden furniture during winter undoubtedly extends its lifespan and maintains its aesthetic appeal. Though teak possesses remarkable natural resilience, British winters present unique challenges that require attention. Freeze-thaw cycles, persistent dampness, and reduced sunlight all contribute to potential damage that accumulates over time.
Thorough cleaning with warm soapy water before winter arrives effectively removes dirt that could trap moisture against the wood. Your furniture must dry completely before storage or covering to prevent mould development. Additionally, checking for existing damage allows you to address minor issues before they worsen during harsh weather conditions.
Lastly, remember that elevation matters just as much as covering. Raised furniture avoids ground moisture that can damage even teak’s durable legs. Coupled with occasional applications of specialised teak protectors, these simple precautions maintain your garden furniture’s beauty and structural integrity for many years.
Your teak garden furniture represents a significant investment that deserves appropriate seasonal care. Winter protection certainly requires minimal effort compared to the extended lifespan and beauty you’ll enjoy from your outdoor pieces for seasons to come.