Teak fence care: oiling, weathering and cleaning

In short: a teak fence does not need treating. Teak is naturally durable and outdoors it weathers evenly to silver grey. To keep the warm golden brown colour, clean the slats and oil them. That is all there is to it.

Let teak weather or oil it?

Either works. Left alone, teak turns silver grey within a few months. Only the surface changes, the timber underneath stays sound. Oil keeps the colour golden for longer. It works like sun cream: the timber repels water and dirt and stays more stable, with fewer hairline cracks in very hot or wet weather.

Can you use teak oil on fences?

Yes, but use an oil made for exterior timber, such as our hardwood fence oil. Thin coats work best. Indoor furniture oils are often too thin for a fence that stands in the rain all year.

Oiling a teak fence in 4 steps

1. Pick a dry day without strong sun on the fence.
2. Clean the slats with water and a soft brush. A pressure washer used close up roughens the surface, so keep your distance or leave it out.
3. Let the timber dry properly.
4. Apply a thin coat of oil and wipe off what has not soaked in after about fifteen minutes.

How often depends on the sun and rain your fence gets. When water stops beading or the colour turns greyer, it is time for another coat.

What to avoid on teak

• No varnish or solid stain. It peels on slim slats and has to be stripped later.
• No thick coats of oil. Whatever does not soak in stays sticky and holds dirt.
• No steel wool or wire brushes. Particles left behind leave black marks.

Teak fence care FAQs

Written by Tom Wegter (team leader IT) and Marc Westerhuis (team leader communications) at Hardwood Discount · last updated: 20 October 2026 · Facebook · Instagram · YouTube · Pinterest