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Topic: Outdoor Furniture



Date Posted: Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Posted by: Tanya Zanfa (Master Admin)
Source: http://www.mercurynews.com/home-garden/ci_26112251/debbie-travis-...


Debbie Travis: Reclaimed teak is handsome, durable


By Debbie Travis

Correspondent

 

This reclaimed teak table, with its silvery gray driftwood hues, is part of the Coastal Dining Lifestyle collection at Hauserstores.com of Ontario, Canada.

This reclaimed teak table, with its silvery gray driftwood hues, is part of the Coastal Dining Lifestyle collection at Hauserstores.com of Ontario, Canada. (Hauserstores.com)

Reclaimed teak has become one of the fastest-growing trends in outdoor furniture. This beautiful, tropical hardwood is highly valued for its natural water-resistant properties and durability.

Since teak is protected by its own natural oils, it's best not to apply varnish or sealants because they will bubble and peel.

Prolonged exposure to the sun's rays turns the wood's golden hue to a beautiful silvery gray.

Repurposing any wood product is good for the environment, since it adds years or decades to the material's usefulness.

The Coastal Dining Lifestyle collection from Hauserstores.com of Ontario, Canada, includes a beautiful reclaimed teak table. Though teak is more costly than many other woods, its durability makes it a smart choice.

The silver-gray hues of weathered teak, which resemble driftwood, complement most cottage or outdoor decors. You can create your own driftwood-toned pieces by applying stain or paint to less-expensive furniture or wood.

To give a secondhand table a new silvery-gray lease on life, start by cleaning and sanding the wood to open the pores. Then rub a diluted mixture of light gray and off-white paint over the surface. Wipe off the excess. Let the piece dry, and repeat applications until you have the exact shade you want.

Q I have a 40-year-old wood headboard that is in great shape. When I bought a new mattress, the salesperson suggested I buy a new headboard, too. But I would like to refinish the old one. Suggestions?

A You have several wonderful options for renewing your headboard. If you are happy with the natural wood tone, then simply give it a light sanding and apply a coat of sealer or varnish. You also can change the look with paint. White is a good choice for a base coat. Then, if you want an antique look, rub some burnt umber paint over the surface and into any carved sections. Wipe off the excess, and you'll have an instant antique look.

Q I would like to refinish an inexpensive cork floor that has a urethane finish. What product do you suggest?

A If the cork is solid, the floor can be sanded and resealed. However, if a thin cork veneer was used, you can't sand it. In the latter case, give the floor a fresh look by cleaning it, then applying a high-hide primer over the urethane. Then you can paint it any color you like. Use a low-sheen paint for a floor, since marks or scars will not show as readily as with a high-gloss finish.

Email questions to house2home@debbietravis.com.



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