Maintaining Outdoor Teak

Q: How can I make my teak deck tables look good again? They’ve developed lots of water stains and blotches.

A: The best way to begin is with a thorough sanding of the wood. This is the process that will remove the water stains (or at least most of them), and you should use either a random orbit sander or, if the staining is light, a 1/4-sheet palm sander. Next, apply finishing oil to the wood. There are many kinds available -- Danish, linseed, teak, Swedish -- to name a few. All will do a good job on interior surfaces, though your situation is different with these outdoor tables. I'd recommend an annual application of something called Tung 'N Teak oil by Circa 1850. If you keep the tables in the shade whenever practical, then coat them every spring with this stuff, they'll stay looking good.