Teak Patio Furniture
Why Choose Teak Outdoor Furniture?
If you’ve ever shopped for outdoor wood furniture, one of the first things you noticed is likely the variety available. With everything from sapele and red cedar to acacia and eucalyptus on offer, it can be hard to know which type of wood will work best for your budget, lifestyle and patio space.
Considered the gold standard for all-weather wood decor, teak patio furniture often stands above the competition in terms of desirability as well as price. So what makes teak worth the investment? Knowing the qualities that make this wood so sought after can help you decide whether teak furniture is right for your outdoor retreat.
What’s So Special About Teak?
Versatility
When it comes to outdoor furniture, everyone wants the perfect balance between good-looking and long-lasting. People prize certain woods, such as mahogany, for their stunning color. Others value materials for their strength, like hardy greenwood. It’s rare to find both qualities in the same wood so that it can continue to look great while it endures the elements out on your patio.
As design trends change, teak remains a popular pick due to its blend of timeless beauty and unmatched durability. With this wood’s many merits and the broad selection of outdoor teak furniture available, it’s easy to see why this species has earned the nickname King of Timbers.
Applications for Teak
One of teak’s handy traits is its resistance to water. Most wood will swell and warp as it absorbs liquid. Teak patio furniture not only reples water, it barely shrinks or expands as moisture decreases and increases, keeping chair and table joints stable. This property has made teak a favorite choice for shipbuilding and outdoor furnishings for over 2000 years.
Teak is also one of modern woodworkers’ most preferred types of lumber. This species is strong but still simple to cut, glue, polish and stain. Because artisans can work teak into an assortment of shapes and shades, it’s the ideal pick for wooden furniture that’s stylish as well as functional.
Types of Teak Outdoor Furniture
The same properties that allow teak to handle harsh sea conditions make it more than tough enough to stand up to rain, snow and humidity on your deck. Outdoor teak dining sets will take a sudden downpour or drink spill in stride, and you can use teak chairs around the splash zone of your pool with confidence.
Teak Dining Set
Since teak is easy to work with, it creates endless options for patio decor. Teak tables, bar sets, storage and seating come in a range of designs and finishes to suit your outdoor space, including natural, stained, waxed and varnished. Sets with clean lines and light hues complement a contemporary garden, while curvy silhouettes and warm stains add classic charm to a porch or veranda.
Teak Bar Set
Resistance to Damage
Like many tropical trees, teak produces wood with a high oil and rubber content to keep out moisture in a rainy climate. These oils act as built-in waterproofing and offer an array of benefits that help outdoor teak furniture last longer, from preventing decay to repelling pests.
Outdoor Furniture and Rot
One of the most important elements of lasting patio furniture is its ability to handle changing weather. Rain and snow can be especially harmful over time, seeping into wood and breaking it down. One of teak’s best features is the natural oils that seal out moisture to prevent damage, allowing you to enjoy your decor for years to come.
Teak and Termite Resistance
Other woods, such as eucalyptus and shorea are durable, but teak’s termite resistance is something special. Already made from a dense species of wood, teak outdoor furniture often incorporates the particularly tough, hard-wearing heartwood at the center of the tree. Termites typically seek out easier food sources and leave teak patio furniture alone.
Beauty
While most all-weather materials claim some measure of durability, few can match the natural beauty of teak. This wood’s gorgeous grain, rich coloring and charming patina speak to its quality and provide many advantages when decorating a patio.
Teak Furniture
Grain
Teak outdoor furniture has a tight, straight grain. Along with its appealing look, this pattern offers several practical benefits. Tight-grained woods tend to be heavy and solid, which ensures that your furnishings can withstand high winds. Straight-grained woods are also sturdier and stronger than those that are more irregular, so they’re ideal for weight-bearing furnishings like tables, chairs and benches.
Teak Coffee Table
Color and Patina
Like the finest leather, teak patio furniture takes on a lovely patina that adds character to your decor. Untreated, fresh-cut teak has a golden-brown hue that turns an equally attractive silvery-gray over time. Simply sit back over the next few months and let your new teak furnishings start to silver, or apply a sealant to preserve their original color.
Maintenance
Thanks to their many natural defenses, teak seating sets and tables need only minimal upkeep to look their best. In fact, with just a little care, teak can last for generations. To keep your pieces in peak condition, give them a thorough cleaning once a year plus a touchup after major spills. Cleaners and sealants designed for teak provide optimal results.
Teak Furniture Maintenance
Is Outdoor Teak Furniture Right for You?
Unparalleled for style and substance, teak furnishings bring enduring beauty and all-weather toughness to your patio. But are they the best option for you? The answer might depend on your tastes and goals.
If your job allows you to live in the same place and have a well-established home, teak patio furniture offers a higher value for your money. Teak is always in fashion and can last for decades, making it well worth the initial investment if you will hold onto it. However, those who often move for work or school might want more easily replaceable styles.
Teak also works well as a neutral backdrop for changing decor. If you prefer to refresh your existing pieces with new decor accents and seasonal decorations, teak outdoor furniture is perfect for you. However, if you like to replace your whole patio ensemble regularly, other materials might be more cost-effective.
The Final Decision
Whether you should buy teak patio furniture or check out another material depends on your lifestyle and decorating preferences. This luxury wood’s striking appearance and practical features ensure it will always be in demand, but only you can decide if teak is the right fit for your outdoor space.