Q: My teak patio furniture is six years old and is starting to turn grey. Is there anything I can do to freshen it up?
— E.M., Vancouver

A: You're in luck. That worn, silvered wood is actually a trend for outdoor furnishings this summer! Having said that, you have a bunch of maintenance options.

Try conditioning the wood with a product like MinWax Teak Oil ($19, homedepot.ca). This will prevent further weather damage while helping to retain the wood's current bleached tone. Consider repeating that tone throughout your patio by adding grey and beige cushions and tabletop accessories for a sophisticated neutral scheme.

Staining the teak is another option. A semitransparent stain, like Thompson's Waterseal Waterproofer Plus in Desert Brown ($29, homedepot.ca), will give the furniture a warm glow and guard against mould, UV exposure and mildew. 

Spruce up your patio with these 7 pretty and durable patio accessories.

Facing a design dilemma of your own? Email us at designdilemma@canadianliving.com.
                                               

This story was originally titled "Design Dilemma" in the July 2014 issue.             Subscribe to Canadian Living today and never miss an issue!