Home
Fact-checked

At HomeQuestionsAnswered, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Teak Furniture?

KN
KN

Teak is a hardwood that has the benefit of being easy to work with, in addition to its structural strength and durability. Because of those qualities, woodworkers have been making teak furniture for centuries. Teak wood grows in countries that have tropical rainforests, such as India, Thailand and Malaysia.

Since the Middle Ages, teak wood has been prized as material in the shipbuilding industry because the wood has the unique qualities of not rotting or accumulating rust even when joined with metal. Due to its high oil content, the wood is water repellent, which also makes it resistant to insect infestation. Early furniture makers recognized these weatherproof advantages when British sailing ships were decommissioned but the teak was still salvageable.

Woman posing
Woman posing

In the 1800s during the Victorian era, furniture makers experimented with the idea of creating teak furniture for outdoor use — and that is one of the primary markets for it even today. Teak park benches still in use in some European cities date back 100 years.

Today's teak furniture market is driven by consumers who know and appreciate the qualities and longevity of teak. In addition to its reputation for durability, this furniture is known for its rich warm color and satiny smooth surface. Patio furniture is a prime example, but teak is also fashioned into outdoor decking, indoor tables and chairs, and executive office furniture.

Many owners of outdoor teak furniture prefer to let the wood age and weather as it turns a mellow gray tone, but others would rather retain the original color by applying annual coats of teak oil. While this treatment is not necessary to protect the wood, the process is not difficult and many hold that the application of oil extends the life of the furniture. If you do decide to oil your teak, remember to apply the oil before the color begins to fade — and always apply it on clean surfaces or else the trapped dirt may cause your furniture to turn black.

If you are in the market for furniture, you may be surprised to find out that teak is quite expensive. But, if you are tired of replacing your patio furniture every year or so, the purchase may actually save you money over the years.

Discussion Comments

mal2010

Teak furniture is a great option with which to furnish a garden. Seeing this type of furniture in a garden just leads the mind to think of rest and recreation.

If you plan to leave the furniture outside all year round, you must ensure that it is robust enough to withstand extremes of weather. The specification for the materials construction and finish needs to be very different from that of pieces for interior use. The most obvious choice of material for outdoor furniture is teak wood. It feels and looks naturally sympathetic since it was once alive itself.

Suitable durable timbers like slow-growing teak being by far the most beautiful and expensive. However, due to the enormous upsurge of demand for garden products, there is an increasing demand for teak products.

Do support the cause of conservation by buying only those timbers that can be guaranteed to come from licensed plantation sources.

Malkit R.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Woman posing
      Woman posing