Teak outdoor furniture is a popular choice for homeowners who want to create a stylish and durable outdoor living space. Teak is a hardwood that is naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insect damage, making it a strong candidate for the title of most durable outdoor furniture material. However, not all teak furniture is created equal, and it is important to know what to look for when buying teak outdoor furniture. In this blog post, we will provide some tips on how to buy teak outdoor furniture.
Teak is one of the most trusted materials for outdoor furniture. Here’s everything you should know before buying the best teak outdoor furniture:
What is teak?
Teak is a tropical hardwood tree native to southeast Asia. Teak trees can grow up to 150 feet tall and live for over 100 years. Teak wood has been highly valued for centuries and is used for a variety of purposes, from building ships and bridges to making herbal medicines. Grade A teak is preferred for outdoor furniture but there's also Grade B and C teak commonly used in the industry.
Why is teak used for outdoor furniture?
Durability. Teak is considered one of the most durable hardwoods in the world. Its high natural oil content protects it from sun, rain, snow and even pests. This means teak furniture is resistant to rot and mildew, and will not crack or warp overtime.
Strength. Due to its tight grain and high oil content, teak is well known for its remarkable tensile strength. For centuries teak has been used to build bridges and ships, mainly because it does not break or weaken under tension. This makes teak wood the ideal material to use in the construction of high end outdoor furniture.
Beauty. The same natural oils and dense grain that give teak its strength, also make it one of the most attractive natural woods. Teak wood is smooth and has a long, sleek grain.
Types of teak
The quality of teak furniture is determined by the grade of the wood used. Grade A teak is the highest quality and is made from the center of the teak tree. It is more durable and has a more consistent color than lower grades of teak. Look for furniture that is made from Grade A teak, as it will last longer and look better over time.
Grade A. Grade A teak is the best quality and comes from the center or “heart” of a mature teak tree. This section of the tree has the highest oil content, which gives it a rich golden color and makes it extremely durable. It also tends to have the straightest grain and less imperfections compared to other grades. These qualities make grade A teak a great investment if you are looking for high end, long lasting outdoor furniture.
Grade B. Grade B comes from the perimeter of the log. It’s lighter in color and contains more knots. Structurally this wood is considered to be softer and more prone to damage than Grade A. However, it is cheaper and is still a solid outdoor wood.
Grade C. Grade C often comes from trees that are not fully mature. This results in a lack of natural oils and strength. Typically when you find a price that seems too good to be true it is because they used Grade C teak. We do not recommend purchasing Grade C teak outdoor furniture as it will not hold up to the elements.
Color
Freshly cut teak is best described as a warm, golden color. Over time the wood will slowly mature into a silvery gray patina, which most people find just as elegant. If you’d prefer to keep the golden color you can choose to add a sealer.
See our step-by-step patio furniture buying guide on how to clean teak outdoor furniture and how to seal teak outdoor furniture.
Care
Teak is easier to care for than you might think. The best way to maintain teak is to occasionally brush it off and scrub away any dirt or stains with a simple soap and water solution. This will keep your teak furniture looking great and performing how it should. Keep in mind that while teak is rot resistant, mold can attach to food/debris left behind and eventually move to the wood itself.
To get the most out of your teak furniture, we do recommend applying a sealer. This does not need to be done immediately but will ultimately prolong the life of your furniture.
Sustainability
With teak wood being so desirable, there have been issues with unethical harvesting. When purchasing teak furniture it’s important to make sure it’s FSC-certified. This is the gold standard for environmentally conscious lumber production and ensures that the wood came from a responsibly managed forest.
Check for Kiln Drying
Teak furniture should be kiln dried to remove moisture from the wood. This process helps to prevent warping and cracking, and also ensures that the furniture will last longer. Check to see if the furniture you are considering has been kiln dried, as this will ensure that it is of the highest quality.
Consider the Design
Teak furniture comes in a variety of designs, from traditional to modern. Consider the style of your outdoor space and choose furniture that complements it. Look for furniture that is comfortable and functional, and that will provide the seating and dining options you need for your outdoor living area.
Look for Quality Construction
Teak furniture should be well-constructed with tight-fitting joints and strong hardware. Check for smooth edges and corners, and make sure that the furniture is sturdy and well-balanced. Look for furniture that is made with mortise-and-tenon joints, as these are the strongest and most durable.
In Summary
Teak checks all of the boxes if you are looking for high quality outdoor furniture that is built to last. It’s naturally weather resistant, it looks great, and it’s easy to maintain compared to other types of wood.
Buying teak outdoor furniture is an investment in your outdoor living space. Teak is a durable and stylish material that will provide years of use and enjoyment. When shopping for teak furniture, look for Grade A teak, kiln-drying, quality construction, and a design that fits your style and needs. Consider the maintenance required for the furniture and shop at a reputable retailer. With these tips in mind, you can choose the best teak outdoor furniture for your home and enjoy your outdoor living space for years to come.
If you have any questions or want to chat about your specific furniture needs just let us know and we’d be happy to help!