Teak Garden Furniture Restoration in Harberton

Good teak garden furniture is built to last decades, but left untreated it quickly turns grey, picks up lichen and algae, and starts looking like it belongs in a skip rather than on a patio. This set at a property in Harberton was a perfect example - a large extending teak table and matching chairs that had been sitting out for years without any treatment. The timber was solid but the finish was gone.

The client didn't want to replace it - this was quality furniture worth saving. They just wanted it brought back to life.

Step 1: Pressure Washing

The first step was to remove the surface grime, lichen and algae buildup. A careful pressure wash stripped away the grey layer and the green growth without damaging the timber. Even at this stage the difference was noticeable - the natural grain of the teak started showing through immediately.

The chairs went from grey and patchy to a clean, pale timber - ready for the next stage. We left everything to dry thoroughly before moving on.

Step 2: Sanding & Teak Brightener

Once dry, the table and chairs were sanded down to smooth out the surface and prepare the timber for oil. Teak brightener was applied to restore the natural warmth and even out the colour - you can see the dramatic difference where the brightener has been applied versus the untreated section.

Step 3: Teak Oil

The final step was applying teak oil by hand. We used Furniture Clinic teak oil, working it into the grain with a cloth to build up a rich, protective finish. The oil soaks into the wood, nourishing it from within and bringing out that deep golden-brown colour that makes teak furniture so attractive.

Each piece was given multiple coats, allowing the oil to absorb between applications. The chairs received the same treatment - every slat, every joint, front and back.

The Result

The transformation speaks for itself. From grey, lichen-covered furniture that looked ready for the tip to a stunning teak dining set that looks almost new. The rich, warm colour of the oiled teak against the Devon stone wall is exactly the kind of result that makes this work satisfying.

The full set was reassembled on the patio, ready for use. With regular oiling - once or twice a year - this furniture will stay looking this good for years to come. It's a fraction of the cost of replacement and far better for the environment than buying new.

We Restore Garden Furniture Too

This is one of those jobs that falls under our property maintenance services. If you've got teak, hardwood or other outdoor furniture that's looking tired, we can bring it back. The process works for tables, chairs, benches, sun loungers and anything else made from quality timber. We cover Harberton, Totnes, the South Hams and across South Devon.