561-301-9364
561-316-9489
Saint Lucie, FL
Teak Shower Floors by Carib Teak

Product Care

We take a lot of pride in our work at Carib Teak Inc. in constructing all our Custom Teak Shower Floors and Bath mats. Each floor manufactured is unique and special in its own way. When making your custom floor we take time selecting each piece of FEQ Burmese Teak wood to ensure there are no defects in the boards. All our floors are constructed using First European Quality Burmese Teak wood. This type of Teak is generally used in the marine industry on boats and decking, making this Teak the best in the world! All our floors are handcrafted to your specs and manufactured in the USA!

Teak Maintenance

Proper maintenance helps your Teak Floor or Bath Mat last a lifetime. Even though teak has a natural resistance to bacteria, mold, and mildew, soap residue or other impurities from your water may start to form some build-up. We recommend you perform routine cleanings every time you clean your shower or bathroom or when you notice some build-up. Keep in mind that even though teak is slip-resistant, a soapy build-up can compromise it. It is very important to clean the Teak surface regularly.
Oiling Teak
  • Quick Clean – Apply water with a soft bristle brush (a mild soap solution can be useful as well). Lightly scrub the teak surface as well as the underside. Then rinse the teak surface with clean water and allow to air dry. Doing this every 3-4 weeks is sufficient.
  • Deep Clean – Consider purchasing a Teak cleaning kit. You can find these kits anywhere online. Most kits come with cleaning solution, scrubbing brushes, conditioning oil, an oil applicator, gloves and a rags for cleanup. With regular cleaning, your teak products will continue to look great for many years. Depending on the size of your Teak floor we recommend calling in a professional teak cleaner. Professional cleaners have the right solutions that won’t strip the wood of its natural oils and non-slip characteristics. You can find commercial grade teak cleaning solutions from a variety of sources including boating supply stores, home centers or online.

  • Weathered Teak – We recommend putting a little extra work if you want your weathered teak to look new again. Light sanding removes any silvery patina. Sanding the entire piece is highly recommended. Seal with teak conditioner or when finished.

Oiling Teak

Once cleaned, the teak’s surface oils are gone. Additional treatment and care for teak wood will be required at this point. If you choose to leave the teak wood untreated, the wood will oxidize. This is be beginning of the aging process which results in a grayish/silver color to the surface. Organic oils have traditionally been used to replenish what’s been removed by cleaning and the environment, and to keep the wood looking new.
Most teak oils consist of either Tung or Linseed oil with resins added to make them it last longer. Many people prefer Tung to Linseed because it is slightly more water-resistant, and doesn’t darken the Teak Wood much. If the Teak product is left exposed to sunlight after oiling it will darken over time regardless of what type of oil is used. There are many specialized teak oils that address this issue using additives, pigments, UV blockers and mildew retardants. Oil is best applied with a paintbrush, using long, even strokes; start at the bottom and work your way up. Immediately wipe away any drips or runs that may get on the surrounding material using a cloth dampened with mineral spirits. Continue applying until the oil begins to pool on the wood’s surface – once the teak has soaked up as much oil as possible, you should have a matte finish without shiny spots. On a side note, make sure to wipe the top of the teak oil can before you put the lid back on otherwise you will have a heck of a time trying to open it the next time you need to oil.

Special Note: Oiling doesn’t create a seal or barrier on the teak’s exterior: it’s simply a way to enhance and maintain its look. Oil-treated teak is usually not slippery, making it safe for use in walkways, on steps, and in bathing or swimming areas. Outdoor Teak products are usually not oiled. The reason for this is because of its high maintenance: constant exposure to the elements would require reapplication of oil every few months. With every re-application, the teak would need to be cleaned prior to. This causes wearing away of the topmost layers which results in mildew feeding on the wood’s natural oils.

Oiling Teak