Frequently Asked Questions
About Teak
What is teak?
What is teak?
Teak, Tectona Grandis, is a tropical hardwood. It possesses a fine, yet strong and dense grain with natural oil contents, which makes it the perfect timber for outdoor furniture.
What are the advantages of teak for outdoor furniture? Why should I buy teak as outdoor furniture as supposed to other timber?
What are the advantages of teak for outdoor furniture? Why should I buy teak as outdoor furniture as supposed to other timber?
A-grade teak is rich in natural oils that repel water and make it virtually immune to rotting. This natural oil content also means there is no specific maintenance required, such as oiling or staining, which is a big plus for people who just want to enjoy their furniture.
A-grade teak also possesses a dense grain structure, which makes it tough and hard-wearing. As it ages, the fine and dense grain also allows the timber to remain smooth to touch (unlike other wood that can become rough over time). The combination of natural oil and hard-wearing properties of teak also makes it resistant to termites and other insects.
Are there different grades of teak?
Are there different grades of teak?
Absolutely, teak is generally graded A, B or C. The different grades refer to the overall quality (contents of oil, density of grain, and appearance) of the timber. A-grade is the best quality and is usually found at the core of the log (the most established part). The B and C grades are created from the outer rings of the log.
How can I tell the difference between one grade from the other?
How can I tell the difference between one grade from the other?
The exact grading process and criteria can get quite technical, but as a rule of thumb, in its raw and unfinished state, the appearance and look of the timber can be used as a gauge. Higher grades are more consistent in grain and colour. Lower grades have more timber knots and inconsistencies in grain and shade. However, it can be difficult to differentiate the grade on finished furniture, as some furniture companies treat their timbers with chemicals to achieve an even colour and smooth surface.
Where is the teak used in Wintons Teak furniture sourced from?
Where is the teak used in Wintons Teak furniture sourced from?
Teak is a tropical hardwood that grows primarily in the dry terrain of Southeast Asia and India. The teak we use is not sourced from rainforests, but is harvested from sustainable plantations and is FSC certified.
What is kiln dried timber?
What is kiln dried timber?
Kiln drying is one of the production processes we undertake to reduce the moisture content in the timber we use. Reducing the moisture level to 10-12% ensures the timber is suited to Australian conditions. The process also prevents the timber from warping and cracking due to extreme temperatures.
Why doesn’t the Wintons Teak collection come in a stained finish?
Why doesn’t the Wintons Teak collection come in a stained finish?
The natural oils in A-grade teak ensure that no additional preservatives, colours, or finishing material is needed to protect the furniture against the weather. In addition, as A-Grade has a uniform honey gold colour, it is not necessary to put additional stain on the furniture.
Caring For Your Furniture
Should I cover the table during winter to protect it?
Should I cover the table during winter to protect it?
You should not cover Wintons Teak outdoor furniture. Covering your A-grade teak furniture will result in mouldy timber and be deemed void from our warranty. This is because the timber needs to "breathe," allowing for air to circulate. Covering your Wintons Teak outdoor furniture does not prolong its life.
My outdoor furniture has turned grey. What do I do to return it to its original colour?
My outdoor furniture has turned grey. What do I do to return it to its original colour?
The grey look on your furniture develops from about 12-18 months. It is caused by oxidized oil that has risen to the timber surface. To remove the grey patina, use a solution of laundry detergent and warm water. Apply the solution on the timber and use a soft bristled scrubber (such as kitchen/pot scrubber) then rub in the direction of the wood grain. Repeat the process if necessary.
How should I care for my teak furniture?
How should I care for my teak furniture?
Please see the following links for care and maintenance booklet.
What do I do with food stains, such as red wine?
What do I do with food stains, such as red wine?
Most food stains can be washed or wiped off with a mild soap and water solution. Use a weak solution of bleach, laundry detergent and warm water along with a soft bristled scrubber (such as kitchen/pot scrubber) to stroke in the direction of the grain.
Stains from food oil, red wine, or colourful children’s juice drinks may prove stubborn to remove. Simply leave your outdoor furniture in the full sun to let the sun’s ultraviolet rays bleach any residual stain. If the stain persists, use 150 grit sandpaper to lightly sand the surface of the timber.
Why do cracks occasionally appear on my furniture?
Why do cracks occasionally appear on my furniture?
Cracks may occur at the end of a timber component that makes up your furniture, such as the tops of legs or the ends of arms. Known as ‘end checks’, it is due to the outer surface drying at a faster rate than the core of the component. Thus, the core acts as a restraint to the ends and causes it to crack. Note that this is a normal occurrence for any timber furniture, including teak.
What are dead timber cells?
What are dead timber cells?
Dead timber cell is a very fine filament that appears on the surface of your furniture. This can occur within the first few weeks after it is exposed to the weather. It’s due to the surface being exposed to the weather and the natural oil content of the timber not yet rising to the surface. Consequently the surface dries up and gives off dead timber cell.
Is it alright if I remove the dead timber cell?
Is it alright if I remove the dead timber cell?
It is not a problem to remove dead timber cells. Simply use a solution of warm soapy water and soft bristled scrub. It is advised that you do this after approximately three weeks after you put your furniture out or when it appears that the surface had given off most of the dead timber cell.
About Our Furniture
How does hand made differ to machine-made?
How does hand made differ to machine-made?
The term ‘machine-made’ refers to the use of modern machinery to create precision joineries. This is in comparison to ‘hand-made’ joinery, where joineries are crafted using simple (motorised) machinery, which may result in imperfect joints.
Will the fittings on my furniture last as long as the teak?
Will the fittings on my furniture last as long as the teak?
All metal fittings used in our collections are made from rust-free materials such as brass, or galvanised or stainless steel. This ensures that the fittings do not rust or corrode. They should last as long as your teak furniture.
Delivery & Assembly
Do you provide delivery services?
Do you provide delivery services?
We provide a delivery service within the Sydney metropolitan area. There is an additional charge for delivery, depending on your address. We can arrange a quote for a courier or other delivery service company to deliver to your address if it is outside our delivery service area. It is best to contact our showroom for delivery details and charges.
Are the products available immediately when purchased? Is there a waiting period?
Are the products available immediately when purchased? Is there a waiting period?
Some items may not be readily available. In such cases, the waiting period ranges from 10 to 14 weeks.
Does the furniture come flat packed?
Does the furniture come flat packed?
Most of our outdoor furniture comes flat packed for easier storage and delivery. However, not all flat packed products require assembly. This is because they are foldable or retractable. Fully assembled pieces.
Almost all of our indoor products come fully assembled, so there is little assembly required. Assembly requirements vary from one product to another; you can contact our store for more details.
Is the furniture easy to assemble?
Is the furniture easy to assemble?
We design a knock-down mechanism so that our furniture is easy to assemble with common household tools such as a spanner and screw drivers. All the instructions and parts required for assembly are inside the packaging.
Can I have my furniture already assembled?
Can I have my furniture already assembled?
We provide an assembly service at an extra charge. Please contact our nearest store for details.