Can teak furniture be left outside in winter in the UK?

Yes. Grade A teak is naturally rich in oils and rubber, making it water-repellent and frost-resistant. It can withstand the British winter without warping, cracking, or rotting, even if left untreated.

Do I need to cover my teak furniture?

Covers are optional. You do not need them for the wood's survival, but a breathable cover will keep the furniture clean from bird droppings and algae. Avoid non-breathable plastic covers as they trap moisture and cause mildew.

Will teak turn grey in winter?

Yes. Exposure to rain and UV light causes the surface pigments to fade, turning the wood a silver-grey colour. This is cosmetic and does not affect the structural strength of the furniture.

How do I stop moss growing on my teak bench?

Moss thrives in damp, shaded conditions. To remove it, simply scrub the wood with hot soapy water and a stiff brush in the spring. Positioning your furniture in a sunny spot can also help prevent growth.

Can Teak Furniture Be Left Outside in Winter? The Definitive UK Guide

ahmad kurdi
6d
3 min read

Grade A teak garden bench left outside in a frosty UK garden, showing natural weather resistance

Yes, you can leave Grade A teak furniture outside in the British winter. Unlike other woods, teak is naturally saturated with oils and rubber that act as a waterproof barrier. It will not warp, rot, or become brittle in freezing temperatures. However, it will naturally weather to a silver-grey colour if left untreated.

If you have just invested in a premium teak dining set, the idea of leaving it out in the pouring November rain or January frost can feel terrifying.

We are conditioned to think that wood + water = rot.

But teak is different. It is the only timber in the world that can withstand the harsh, unpredictable British climate for decades without any artificial protection.

Here is exactly what happens to your furniture during winter, and how to care for it.

The Science: Why Teak is "Winter-Proof"

Teak (Tectona grandis) is unique. It doesn't just rely on the density of the wood fibre for strength; it is packed with natural rubber and silica.

When we say our furniture is Grade A Heartwood, we mean it is rich in these protective oils.

Water Repellent: The oils prevent water from soaking deep into the grain, which stops the wood from expanding and warping.
Frost Resistant: Because the wood doesn't absorb water, it doesn't freeze and crack when the temperature drops below zero.
Rot Resistant: The natural rubber acts as a preservative, deterring fungi and wood-eating insects.

The Visual Change: Honey to Silver

While the structure of your furniture remains perfect, the appearance will change. This is nature's defense mechanism.

As UV light hits the timber and rain washes over the surface, the pigments in the top layer of the wood begin to fade. Your rich, honey-coloured table will gradually turn into a distinguished silver-grey patina.

Expert Tip: This colour change is purely cosmetic. It does not affect the strength of the furniture. Many of our customers specifically wait for this "weathered" look, as it blends beautifully with traditional English gardens and botanical planting schemes.

The Real Enemy: Algae and Moss

While the rain won't rot the wood, the damp UK winter can encourage algae and moss to grow on the surface, especially if your furniture is under a tree. This can make the furniture look green and feel slimy.

The Fix: You do not need harsh chemicals.

Wait for a mild, dry day in spring.
Mix hot, soapy water (washing up liquid is fine).
Scrub the wood with a stiff-bristled brush (scrub with the grain, not against it).
Rinse with a garden hose (never use a pressure washer, as it tears the wood fibres).

To Cover or Not to Cover?

This is the most common question we get asked.

The Answer: You do not need to cover it, but you might want to.

No Cover: Your furniture will turn silver-grey faster and will likely need a spring clean to remove bird droppings and moss.
With Cover: You keep the furniture cleaner, but you must use a breathable cover (like Kampa or Aerocover).

Warning: Never use a cheap, plastic tarpaulin. Non-breathable plastic traps moisture against the wood, creating a greenhouse effect that promotes mould and mildew ("sweating"). If you cover it, ensure there is airflow.