As you probably guessed, we love teak. We specialize in teak shower benches, so it’s not surprising. But the fact is, it’s not the end all and be all of wood. The majority of people have different styles of furniture constructed from different types of wood. Where it can get tricky is the fact that not all wood can be cared for the same way.

That’s why we’re going to talk about a few different types of wood, and the correct ways to take care of them.

• A big reason we like teak is because it usually requires minimal cleaning and dusting. Most woods aren’t quite so low-maintenance. However, oil soaps are not recommended. If your teak has developed that unique blue-gray shade, using a soft sponge or brush and cleaning it with gentle soap and water is all you need.
• Driftwood has become very popular, and it is offered in two styles: polished, and unpolished. With polished, it will dry out if it isn’t cleaned regularly, so use a dependable polish that’s beeswax based. With unpolished, just use a damp or dry cloth. Never use a cleaner or polish, since it will wear away the natural coloration.
• People who buy mahogany furniture appreciate the dark and rich coloring. To keep it looking good, furniture polish is a necessity. Oil soap will do the trick as well, but if you’re using a polish, make sure it’s non-silicon based.
• Pieces that are constructed of painted wood can be tricky, since the cleaners can damage the finish or the paint itself. Gentle cleaning with soap and water is fine. If your piece only has part of the area painted on, carefully use a non-silicone cleaner on the area.