What wood is this and how best to finish

[Jeremy Nako]

I rescued this garden table from a neighbour and I've started to sand it down.

Can anyone tell me what wood it is (I'm guessing Teak..?)

More importantly.. what's the best way to protect / finish ?

It will be outdoors in the spring / summer but under cover in the winter if that helps ?

 

[Orraloon]

Not sure on the wood but do a search for outdoor furniture oil.There are plenty out there.
Garden Furniture Oil | Which is Best? Our Guide Helps You Decide
Regards
John

 

[Jeremy Nako]

As I understand it, some finishes are more appropriate on different types of wood - hence the request for ideas as to type.

My request was for recommendations - I'm very aware that there are many out there.

 

[Orraloon]

I can not recommend a particular brand as I dont live in the UK so have not used any of them. My point was to use an oil based outdoor furniture oil as they are the easiest to maintain. If you go for a varnish its a lot more work when it comes time to redo it. The oil finishes suit most woods and they pretty much all do the same job. Rread a few labels before making a choice. There are also water based oils (marketing knows no limits) but they will be as much work as a varnish. Tried it one time but never again.
Regards
John

 

[hlvd]

It’s either Teak or Iroko, more likely the latter as it was a cheaper substitute.

 

[Marcusthehat]

Depends on how much it has aged and weathered and dried out surely?
So postulating something as simple as BLO, applied very sparingly, see how it soaks in(or not!) and reapply if necessary.
Or an Osmo product sold or rated for this application.
Marcus

 

[Adam W.]

Teak feels oily to the touch and is very heavy.

 

[--Tom--]

I’d look for a specific outdoor furniture oil as suggested above.
It’ll probably be pretty thirsty for the first few coats

 

[whereistheceilidh]

Teak=marine teakoil. Works ok on Iroko too.
If it does the job on boats/ships out in all weathers then prob ok in your garden.
Needs re-coating every few years depending on conditions.

 

[johnbs]

1. It's teak
2. I'd leave it as-is and allow it to turn silver. Oils & waxes attract dirt, and other finishes will degrade and flake with time.
John

 

[whereistheceilidh]

Well you could leave it to turn silver as Johnbs suggests, and it will.....but you are in the hot, sunny south where the sun will dry out the natural oils from the teak surface and this will produce surface cracking/crazing. For the teak to last longer paint it with teak oil ....leave it to soak in....wipe off the excess. In my experience you should not attract dirt, in fact the oil provides a more 'dirt free' surface than an unteated one.

 

[Jeremy Nako]

Thank you everyone.

I'm pretty sure that it's Teak.

I've decided to give it a few coats of Teak oil. I understand that it'll need to be reapplied annually but I'm not a fan of the natural sliver weathering.

 

[gregmcateer]

I've got one just like it.
Teak oil every year or two, and if its got too shabby, I use a jet wash on it, let it dry, then apply the oil.
Over 12 years old and going fine.
I do cover it in winter, before big rain comes

 

[Jones]

It's teak but probably a faster grown plantation stuff that's not of the best quality. Starbrite teak oil or teak sealer are both good, the sealer does not completely soak in so will leave a surface film ( like a varnish) which is not oily and won't collect dirt. The UV protection in these will keep the colour bright but does make them expensive.

 

[Bristol_Rob]

Looks very much the same as my teak table in the garden. I do nothing to my table and enjoy the grey colour