One way to have that natural and rustic look in your patio or garden is by having teak patio furniture around.  This type of furniture can set the ambiance and the mood for a great garden or patio theme.  A western or summer themed garden perhaps is a good idea to start with.  Teak is becoming popular these days especially for outdoor furniture.
Teak is a natural hardwood which can only be found in the thick forests of East Asia.  The teak tree belongs to the family verbenaceae.  It can grow to a maximum height of 30 to 40 meters and can live up to 100 years.  One of the good qualities of teak trees is its ability to withstand the elements especially strong winds.  Instead of breaking they just bend when strong wind comes.
This quality also is what makes it perfect to be made into furniture.  Aside from being hard and sturdy, the wood is also capable of surviving for long periods of time under the elements.  Because teak patio furniture is naturally water resistant.
But these qualities of teak patio furniture should not make us negligent in doing the basic maintenance and cleaning procedure on the said furniture.  After all, they are still materials from the earth and would naturally break down as time passes by.
This care and maintenance should also apply to our patio heater and patio umbrella.  They may be considered outside furniture and items but still they need to be maintained and cleaned to give us maximum enjoyment and satisfaction when we use them.
Generally, your cleaning and maintenance method would ultimately depend on your decision on whether to have the original patina color or the honey colored version we ordinarily see with this type of furniture.  Its original color is similar to honey but some people prefer to have their teak patio furniture attain that grey patina color which usually happens when it is exposed to the sun.
Cleaning your teak patio furniture is easy because of the manufacturer’s instructions that come along with the pieces the first time you purchase it.  The furniture is generally pre treated with teak protector.
But in cases where you might have misplaced the cleaning instructions, it is best to get some cleaning or dishwashing detergents, bleach, brush and a pail of water in cleaning the furniture.  The mixture usually consists of 1 teaspoon of cleaning detergent and bleach to 1 quart of warm water.
Use the mixture to form up a lather and use your soft bristled bush in cleaning the furniture.  Rinse thoroughly the pieces to remove any left over grimes and dirt as well as any traces of suds.
Accordingly, this is the only method you will need when you want to have the patina finish.  Nature will take its course in making your teak patio furniture attain that grey color.
But on the other hand, you wanted to retain the original honey color of your furniture you have to apply caustic cleaners and some acid unto it.  After doing this, a light sanding would be required to remove the top most layer causing it to have the grey color and eventually expose the original color underneath.
You could also use teak sealants when you want to preserve the original honey color of your furniture.  And most teak sealants can also prevent the growth of molds and mildew on the pieces.
It is also not recommended to use varnish on the wood because the natural oil in the wood is enough to seal out the water.  This natural oil is what keeps it weather and water resistant in the first place.  But again, this does not mean that you would just leave outside your furniture even if you are not going to use it for a long period of time and allow it to be exposed to the heat of the sun and moisture of the rain.
Teak patio furniture just like your patio heater and patio umbrella should be kept in a dry, airy place when it is not to be used for a long period of time and preferably protected with a furniture cover to protect it from unnecessary scratches and damage.  It is all that easy.