Teak Furniture Guide

Durable, versatile, eloquent and stylish are only a few of the many great qualities teak embodies. Teak furniture is one of the most desired types of vintage furniture and is widely used in many other types of hardwood products. It is widely used in architectural mouldings, paneling, wood floorings, turnery, decking or ship timbers and novelty items. Primarily made for outdoor furniture today, teak furniture is regarded as high end types of furniture.

Teak wood is common tropical hardwood species with a yellowish brown color and with good grains and texture. These are commonly found from south and Southeast Asia regions such as India, Indonesia, Myanmar and Malaysia.

Throughout history, teak wood has been highly valued and extensively used in everyday living. In Thailand formerly named Siam in the 7th century, has used teak in royal residences, religious buildings and in ship building. This broad use of ship building by the use of teak is also seen in many marine vessels in the Middle Ages. The buoyancy, water and pest resistance and durability are properties that made teak wood as a suitable material for water vessels.

As industrialization came into many nations, recycled wood from ships and other sea ferries have provided recycled wood to make new furniture. This is evident from British traders who arrived in India in the colonial period where they would recycle old ships and boats to make outdoor furniture. In the late 1800’s, the teak outdoor furniture became popular.

Benefits Of Teak Furniture

Durable. Teak furniture is unbelievably durable, weather resistant and highly resistant from termite attacks, because of these, teak outdoor furniture are sought-after types of outdoor furnishings. The weather and pest resistance of teak furniture is due to the natural oils that are infused into the wood itself, so even without oil or varnish treatments the teak wood is able to withstand extreme weather and resist termite attacks.

Teak furniture is very strong, and nearly unbreakable. Chairs, tables, beds, cabinets and other teak furniture types can support huge amount of weigh in comparison to other wood types. Ship builders in the Middle Ages have explored this advantage by using teak timber in their construction of ships and boats.

Teak wood when combined with metals does not rust or corrode when in contact with these materials which is a huge advantage when having teak furniture combined with other materials.

Low Heat Retention. Another great advantage of teak furniture is its ability to remain cool even under direct sunlight. For this reason, teak patio furniture and other types of outdoor teak furniture are preferred for outdoor use.

Low Maintenance. Teak furniture does not need any further application of coatings such as varnish or sealants due to the natural oils on the teak wood that acts as a natural sealant. Although it can be an option to have additional finishes on the teak furniture. After application of sealers, occasional washing with detergent and water is only needed encase of food spills are penetrated the sealer.

Provides Employment. The teak forest plantations have provided and eased much of the widespread unemployment in many areas such as Central America and some regions in Southeast Asia. A good number of people are trained and given jobs on a permanent basis. The tasks have included forest management and working in nurseries. There are occasional workers as well that are given job contracts that include planting, pruning, thinning and weeding. Craftsmen and designers as well have much benefited in many of products of teak timber.

At present, most of the world’s teak wood is exported from Indonesia and Myanmar. There are also plantations in Central America most specifically Costa Rica and some regions in the South America.

Teak Furniture Is High-End Furniture

Luxury, style and durability are what make teak furniture high end furniture. The blend of beauty and strength has much explored by many craftsmen and designers who have produced many interesting and alluring designs in teak furniture.

Teak furniture is quite expensive and because of its excellent qualities became a status symbol in many interiors. The outstanding weather and termite resistance of the teak furniture can last decades making it an heirloom for many generations to come.

The Best Choice for Outdoor Use

Teak outdoor furniture is a must. Even for a long period of time being exposed under the sun it won’t retain heat which is a good advantage for outdoor use. The maintenance is very minimal that sealers or varnishes are not needed to protect the teak outdoor furniture because of the natural oils it already has.

Newly made teak outdoor furniture when exposed will have a gradual change in the surface which will go to soft silvery-grey as the pigments are fading. This is natural process which is not a sign of deterioration but instead is a natural process that the wood undergoes because of the expansion of the wood. Through time, the gray patina will eventually fade and will go back to the original color and texture of the surface. For this effect, having teak garden furniture with antique like surface combined when flowering plants and greeneries can have a striking look.

Even though teak patio furniture and teak garden furniture have a hefty price, they have been much preferred type of outdoor furnishings recommended by interior designers. These furniture can have a great design statement when placed in balconies and decks, such as porch swings, lounges, chairs, tables and other teak patio furniture.

When planning for a tropical house or resort, teak furniture can be the best option. Because of the extreme weather conditions.

Indonesia’s harvested teak wood is used primarily for teak outdoor furniture.

Tips in Purchasing Teak Furniture

Be sure to get teak furniture from a reputable dealer. This also means from legal and government controlled plantations where the teak timber is harvested at a 20 year cycle period. Aside from these, make sure that the dealer agrees to have a full delivery and offers assembly service. Avoid having flat packed teak furniture. There are many times when the consumer has attempted to assemble the furniture warranties or guarantees offered by the retailer are often negated.

Many dealers advertise online and offer large discounts based on clearance and closeout merchandise that will award you with 25% to 40% discount.  Many times you will find free shipping on web only orders on most Teak furniture.