Caring for Your Fritz Hansen Outdoor Teak Furniture

The Fritz Hansen outdoor collection is crafted almost exclusively from teak — a dense, oil-rich hardwood that is naturally weather- and rot-resistant. With minimal care, it lasts a lifetime. Here's everything you need to know to keep it beautiful year after year.

About Teak

Teak is one of the hardest, most durable woods available for outdoor use. Its high concentration of natural oils makes it exceptionally resistant to moisture, rot, and everyday weather — without much help from you. Fritz Hansen uses only core teak, which is richer in natural oils than outer wood, making it more evenly grained and longer-lasting.

Understanding the Natural Patina

New teak arrives in a warm honey-golden tone. Left untreated, it will gradually patinate to a soft silvery-grey — a natural process that does not affect the durability or quality of the wood in any way. Many people find this silver finish beautiful and choose to let it develop freely.

If you prefer to preserve or deepen the original golden-brown colour, regular oiling will do it. Both paths are valid — teak is resilient either way.

Cleaning Your Outdoor Furniture

Clean your teak furniture at least once per year. Cleaning removes algae and dirt and keeps the wood resistant through all seasons.

What you'll need:

  • A garden hose or bucket of water
  • Pine soap or linseed soap (or a dedicated wood cleaning soap)
  • A semi-soft brush

Steps:

  1. Place the furniture on grass if possible. If cleaning on a hard surface, rinse the area underneath afterward — soap can stain tiles and wood decking.
  2. Mix your soap with water (approximately 25 ml soap to 5 litres of water).
  3. Rinse the furniture with clean water first.
  4. Scrub the surface with the soapy water and brush, working in the direction of the wood grain with moderate, even pressure.
  5. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and allow to dry fully before any oiling.

Oiling Your Outdoor Furniture

Oiling brings out the grain's natural beauty, nourishes the wood, and increases its resistance to water, dirt, and grease. For best results, oil the furniture before it begins to patinate. Repeat once or twice per year — always cleaning the surface first.

Important: Do not use outdoor furniture oil on indoor pieces. Outdoor oils contain algae-removal properties not suited for interior use.

What you'll need:

  • Natural outdoor furniture oil
  • A brush or lint-free cotton cloth
  • Clean cotton cloths for wiping

Steps:

  1. Clean the furniture thoroughly and allow the wood to dry for at least 24 hours. Lightly sand any rough fibres with sandpaper before you begin.
  2. Work in a shaded spot, out of direct sunlight. The temperature should be at least 13°C (55°F).
  3. Stir the oil before use and continue to stir while applying.
  4. Apply an even layer of oil with a brush or lint-free cloth, starting from the bottom and working upward to avoid streaks.
  5. After no more than 20 minutes, wipe away any excess oil with clean cotton cloths. Oily cloths can be a fire hazard — dispose of them responsibly.
  6. If the wood still looks dry or unsaturated, repeat steps 4 and 5 as needed.
  7. Allow 48 hours for the oil to harden fully. Keep the furniture dry during this period.

Winter Storage

Teak holds up well in cold weather, but a few simple precautions will protect it through the off-season and reduce maintenance in spring.

  • Use breathable furniture covers rather than plastic sheeting, which traps moisture and encourages mildew.
  • Elevate pieces off wet ground or snow with furniture feet or a pallet.
  • If storing indoors, keep away from heating vents — rapid drying can cause small cracks at the end grain.

Fritz Hansen outdoor furniture is designed to be used for generations. The care you invest now is the quality you'll enjoy for decades to come.