The biggest enemy to teak is sun and heat. It’s very weatherproof just from its natural oils, that’s why it is used so extensively in the marine industry. If it has been inside it might dry out a little but I would think most of the damage or dryness would be superficial. Teak oil is the right answer. I had a swimstep on a ski boat that I thought was a write off. Teak oil made it just like new. You would be surprised at how far a small bottle of oil lasts. The previous owner had put some sort of hard lacquer over it and it just peeled of in long strips so I would avoid that route.
So I can teak oil after the penetrating stain ?
I think it depends on if it is an alcohol or oil based stain. I would try it on a small inconspicuous spot before going crazy with it. I believe it is the alcohol based that is incompatible and the oil will basically leach the stain back out of the wood. If I remember correctly the alcohol based stains dry the wood out to open the cells to accept stain, that’s why it needs a protective coat after staining. In essence the stain drys the wood out to do it’s job. I didn’t stay at a Holiday Inn last night so I am no expert, there is probably someone on here that knows more than I do.
I would check the marine forums, boat people have EXTENSIVE knowledge of teak and what combos work the best.
Teak is a pretty dark wood. The oil alone will darken it quite a bit without a stain. If you haven’t already stained it yet try a spot on the underside of the chair first. The swim step I did ended up going from a light almond color to a deep red/brown color with just the oil.
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