Here’s a selection of some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers. Should you have a question that is not answered then please do not hesitate to contact us.
Please read our FAQs outlining our approach during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Why Teakunique?
Teakunique uses top-grade teak, sourced sustainably and legally from Indonesian plantations. Our trusted and experienced craftsman use superior techniques to make Teakunique furniture to the highest standards, guaranteeing that our customers can enjoy their Teakunique furniture for many years. And by selling the furniture online and through our private showroom and events, we keep overheads down, ensuring our prices remain competitive.
Does Teakunique use teak from sustainable sources?
All Teakunique furniture is made from teak, which has been sustainably and legally sourced, manufactured, and exported from Indonesia. The teak industry is strictly controlled by the Indonesian government, and our suppliers are able to (and indeed must in order to export) prove the origin and quality of their teak. We visit Indonesia annually to inspect the teak assigned to Teakunique prior to the manufacturing process of our furniture.
How do you recommend I take care of my teak furniture?
Teak is an exceptionally hard wood with natural oils, and as all Teakunique furniture is made from the very best grade teak and manufactured using superior techniques such as kiln drying, your furniture will withstand extreme weather conditions without shortening its life. Therefore, we recommend leaving Teakunique furniture outside to weather gracefully to its natural silver-grey colour. Remember to store extended tables at their full size so all the wood weathers at the same rate, and use lubricant over the runners to prevent moving parts from seizing up.
General care tips to spruce up your furniture include; using a power-hose from a respectable distance (so as not to damage the fibres of the wood) to remove any build-up of winter moss; absorbing any stains and spillages with kitchen paper as soon as possible and washing with light soapy water; removing stubborn marks with fine wire wool or fine sandpaper.
What quality of teak do you use for your furniture?
We insist on the use of top grade, knot free, mature heartwood, kiln-dried teak only – nothing else is acceptable!
How can I care for my teak furniture?
Teak is an exceptionally hard wood with natural oils and it will withstand extreme weather conditions without shortening its life. Normally, we recommend leaving teak furniture well alone outside to weather gracefully.
However, should you wish to spruce up your furniture after a wet winter, you may brush it off and use a power hose, from a respectable distance – so as not to damage the fibres of the wood. Stubborn stains are easily removed with fine wire wool or sandpaper.
We also recommend storing extending tables as full size so wood weathers at same pace and also, as needed, put some lubricant over the runners to prevent parts seizing up.
Can we use our furniture indoors?
Teak is perfect for outdoor use as it is the hardest and most durable wood. It can be used indoors and looks fantastic in garden rooms and orangeries, however it is a natural product and household heating will alter the wood. If used indoors, we recommend products with slates/space for movement such as the BBQ table.
Can I view furniture before purchasing?
We encourage all new customers to visit us to see the top-grade teak and superior craftsmanship for themselves. Please visit us at our South Downs showroom by appointment or during open days, or at one of our Spring/Summer events.
Does your furniture need teak oil?
Applying teak oil will weaken the wood and shorten its lifespan. It’s also a time consuming process and once started, needs to be reapplied regularly. If left alone, your furniture will not suffer and it will weather to an attractive grey colour.
How do we protect our teak garden furniture from being eaten by wasps?
Although rare, when there are a large number of wasp nests, or an orchard nearby, wasps may try to nibble garden furniture. The best solution is to see if the wasp nests can be eradicated, but if this is not possible, we would recommend using a product called Anti Wasp Solution (available from John Lewis for £21). The solution is not oily and invisible once dry, which suits those who prefer their teak garden furniture to weather naturally.
Should I varnish or oil my Teakunique furniture?
It is not necessary to add any products to Teakunique furniture, as they will not allow the wood and its natural oils to breathe. If left alone, your furniture will not suffer and will weather to an attractive silver-grey colour. Varnish and oils are generally used on low-grade mass-produced teak furniture, however, it is a personal preference and some people do prefer to maintain the honey-coloured teak by using teak oils. Just remember to sand and reapply the product annually otherwise black spots and blemishes can appear.
