Teak Memorial Bench Ageing Process & Ageing Gracefully Outdoors

a wooden memorial bench with a quote

When your cherished Memorial Bench arrives, it will be beautifully fine sanded and a lovely light brown. However, after just a few months outdoors, you will begin to notice a gentle transformation. A perfectly natural process we call bench ageing or bench silvering, this is nature's own way of protecting the timber through oxidisation. Your bench's colour will gradually soften, eventually settling into a serene and graceful silver hue.



Wooden Memorial Bench Silvering

images showing the teak bench silvering ageing process

The Beauty of Bench Silvering

The transition from a warm honey-brown to a pale white and finally to a silvery grey, is a hallmark of the highest quality teak. The exact time this takes can vary depending on the individual bench and its unique surroundings but please be assured, this is perfectly normal. It absolutely will not affect the strength, performance or long life of your Memorial Bench, ensuring it remains a steadfast tribute for generations.

Nature's Protective Layer

This silvering process is actually a protective skin formed by the wood's natural oils reacting to UV light, sealing the timber against rot and decay.

A Serene Visual Transformation

Many find that the graceful silver hue allows the bench to blend even more harmoniously with the natural elements of a garden or cemetery setting.

 

Understanding Fine Lines and End Grain Movement

You might also observe what are known as "Fine Lines" or End Grain Movement on your bench, particularly around the frames and arms where the growth rings are visible. This is also completely normal for a natural wooden product. As any wooden furniture is left outdoors, it will naturally absorb moisture from the atmosphere during damp periods, causing the timber to swell slightly then dry out during warmer spells.

The Wood Breathing Naturally

These periodic, minor "cracks" are simply the wood breathing and gracefully reacting to the natural variations in the air's moisture content.

Structural Integrity Maintained

Such movement is a surface level reaction and does not compromise the robust mortise and tenon joinery that holds your memorial bench together.

 

Adding Natural Character to Your Tribute

This natural interplay with the elements adds character to your Memorial Bench, making it truly unique. No two pieces of teak age in exactly the same way, ensuring your commemorative seat is a one of a kind legacy. A lasting tribute, crafted with care and compassion means we are always here to help you understand these beautiful, natural changes.

If you have any questions at all about the ageing process of your Memorial Bench, please don't hesitate to call our team.

To discuss your Memorial Bench care or ageing questions, please call us today on 01580 201518.

 

3 images showing end grain cracking and fine line cracking on teak wooden memorial benches