No More Bleak Teak: Reviving the Beauty of an Old Teak Bench

In a world where throwaway culture seems to dominate, there's something truly special about breathing new life into old, forgotten items. This is especially true for a timeless classic like teak furniture. Recently, we took on the challenge of restoring a weathered teak bench, and the results were astonishing.

Teak wood is celebrated for its exceptional durability, natural resistance to decay and insects, and its stunning appearance. It has been used for centuries to craft outdoor furniture that can withstand the test of time. With its golden hue and beautiful grain patterns, teak furniture adds a touch of elegance to any space, be it a garden, patio, or even indoors.

As with many outdoor pieces, our teak bench was exposed to harsh elements, neglect, and time. Over the years, it lost its luster, and the wood began to appear weathered and gray, a stark contrast to its former glory. Rather than discarding it and contributing to the waste problem, we decided to give this beloved bench a second chance through restoration.

By embracing the practice of reviving old furniture, we can actively participate in preserving our planet's resources and heritage while enjoying the timeless allure of teak for many years to come. No more bleak teak – just timeless elegance and environmental responsibility.

Teak from bleak to chic! Give us a call at NOLA Door Refinishing for a free quote. Just text a picture to 504-616-3693 and I'll get you a quote! Easy peasy!

Teak bench restoration

When you should paint a door instead of refinishing it with stain and varnish?

Choosing to paint a damaged door over varnishing it can depend on several factors and personal preferences. Here are some reasons why you might choose to paint a damaged door instead of varnishing it:

1. Concealing damage: Painting a damaged door can effectively hide any scratches, dents, or other imperfections on its surface. Varnishing, on the other hand, is a transparent coating that enhances the natural beauty of the wood but does not provide as much coverage for existing damage. We have a few tricks to minimize the damaged areas, or at least pull your eyes away from them. But just remember, stain is transparent; paint is solid.

2. Versatility and color options: Paint offers a wide range of colors and finishes, allowing you to customize the appearance of your door to match your desired aesthetic or the overall decor of the space. This versatility is not always possible with staining, as it maintains the natural color and grain of the wood. Once you've stained your door dark, the sun literally bakes the stain into the fibers of the wood. Most often, it isn't possible to lighten a stain color without it resulting in a blotchy door.

3. Cost-effectiveness: Painting a damaged door is generally more cost-effective than varnishing it. Paint is often less expensive than high-quality varnish, and by painting the door, you can potentially avoid the need for extensive repairs or refinishing work. Plus, paint lasts for many more years without having any upkeep, unlike stain and varnish.

4. Old dated doors can sometimes get a modern look with a fresh coat and color of paint.

5. Protection from the elements: Paint provides an additional layer of protection to the door's surface, shielding it from moisture, UV rays, and other environmental factors. This can be particularly important for exterior doors that are exposed to the elements. Varnish primarily enhances the wood's natural beauty but may not offer the same level of protection as paint.

6. Personal preference and style: Ultimately, the decision to paint or varnish a damaged door comes down to personal preference and the desired look you want to achieve. Some individuals prefer the classic, natural appearance of varnished wood, while others may prefer the boldness or versatility of painted doors.

It's worth noting that the specific condition of the door, the type of wood used, and the overall design goals can also influence the decision between painting and varnishing. Consulting with a professional or considering expert advice based on the door's condition and your desired outcome can help inform your final decision.

We at NOLA Door Refinishing love (LOVE...L.O.V.E!) a beautifully refinished door but it isn't for everyone and certainly isn't ideal for every door. Maybe it is time to think about a lower maintenance option by painting your front door.

Transform your outdoor wood furniture

As the warm breeze beckons us outdoors, there's nothing quite like having a beautifully restored piece of wood furniture to enhance your outdoor space. Whether it's a weathered bench, a tired deck, or a worn-out patio table, restoring outdoor wood furniture can breathe new life into your surroundings and provide a charming focal point for relaxation and entertainment.

We refinish outdoor wood furniture just as we do with wood doors. We access the wood and condition of the furniture, make minor repairs, sand, stain and then seal the wood using marine grade spar varnish.

The high quality stain and varnish will enhance its beauty and safeguard it against the elements. We assist selecting a stain color that complements your outdoor aesthetic of the home. Sometimes this means we match it to other wood items, such as front doors. Apply multiple thin coats, following the manufacturer's instructions, and allow adequate drying time between each coat. We apply one coat each day. Applying varnish too soon, will risk the finish to bubble, which is very difficult to rectify.

Restoring outdoor wood furniture is a gratifying endeavor for both us and our clients. We love that we can preserve cherished pieces and create a welcoming outdoor space at a fraction of the cost of purchasing new wood furniture.