What is Teak Wood?

Summer Cedar — Thu, 12 Jul 2018 10:42:04 +0000

When choosing the type of wood for a patio furniture set, it can be a difficult decision; the wood’s color, durability, cost, weight, and general appeal are all major determining factors in the ideal patio furniture set. However, if you’ve been shopping around for a good, high-quality collection of solid wood patio furniture, you’ve likely come across several articles or ads talking about Teak Patio Furniture. This furniture is usually expensive, and the articles talking about it typically mention Teak as one of the best materials for outdoor furniture; but why? To answer that, let’s take a look at this fascinating wood, examine why people love Teak for outdoor furniture, and answer the question, just what is Teak Wood?

What Kind of Wood is Teak?

Teak is a tropical, closed (meaning the wood’s pores are smaller and more smooth) hardwood tree native to Southeast Asia, specifically Malaysia, Myanmar, and Thailand, with Indonesia having the largest amount of plantations. Teak is a highly valued word for its extraordinary, natural weather-resistant properties and high durability; this has led to Teak’s usage in boat building, deck building, and of course, patio furniture building.

Benefits of Teak Wood Outdoor Furniture

Teak wood has long been celebrated for its exceptional qualities, making it a premier choice for outdoor furniture. Here are the key benefits of using teak wood for outdoor spaces:

Superior Weather Resistance: Teak naturally contains high levels of natural oils and rubber, making it highly resistant to water, humidity, and extreme weather conditions. It can withstand sun exposure, rain, and fluctuating temperatures without warping or cracking.
Unmatched Durability: Teak is one of the hardest and most durable woods available. Its dense grain and natural strength allow it to endure heavy use and resist wear and tear over time. Well-maintained teak furniture can last decades, even in harsh environments.
Natural Beauty: Teak’s warm, golden-brown hue adds elegance and sophistication to any outdoor setting. Over time, it develops a silver-gray patina that many find attractive. This aging process enhances its character while maintaining its structural integrity.
Low Maintenance: Unlike many other types of wood, teak requires minimal care. A simple cleaning with soap and water is sufficient to keep it in good shape. Applying teak oil is optional if you prefer to maintain its original color.
Pest Resistance: Teak’s natural oils also repel termites and other wood-boring insects, ensuring your furniture remains intact and functional for years without damage.
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable: When sourced responsibly, teak is a sustainable choice for outdoor furniture. Look for furniture certified by organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) to ensure the wood comes from well-managed forests.
Timeless Investment: Though initially more expensive than other woods, teak furniture is an investment due to its longevity and low upkeep. Its durability means fewer replacements, making it cost-effective in the long run.
Versatility: Teak furniture is available in a wide variety of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find pieces that complement your outdoor décor.

What Properties Does Teak Have?

Teak wood contains high amounts of oils and naturally occurring rubber, which, alongside its tight grain, make it one of the most water and weather-resistant woods. On top of that, Teak is a hardwood and an extremely durable one at that; combined with its smaller, smoother pores, Teak is the ideal furniture for making outdoor furniture.

Why Is Teak So Expensive?

Teak’s high price tag is caused by a few reasons:

It’s Highly Valued – Teak’s natural properties make it an ideal building material for several industries. As we mentioned earlier, it’s used for furniture, boats, cutting boards, decks, and all manner of outdoor building materials.
It Takes Time To Harvest – While Teak is one of the faster-growing hardwoods, it still can take between 15-30 years before a single tree is ready for harvest.
It Is Resistant To Rot – Due to Teak’s natural oils and rubber, it is naturally resistant to rot. Teak can be left outside all year round for years without showing any signs of rot.
It Lasts – With Teak wood’s near complete weather resistance and durable nature, it is known as one of the most long-lasting types of wood out there; a good set of Teak furniture should last at least 50 years with minimal upkeep.

We should note that while Teak will last for years, its color will change with age: it shifts from a medium brown to having a silver patina.

Teak is often called the “king of outdoor woods” for a good reason. Its weather and rot resistance, combined with its natural durability, make it a lifelong investment. On top of that, its excellent color only grows more beautiful as it ages making it a beautiful addition to any outdoor garden or patio. If you would like to browse our selection of solid teak patio furniture, you can follow the link here.

High Quality Teak Patio Furniture

Summer Cedar — Thu, 15 Mar 2018 10:42:32 +0000

If you’re looking for wood outdoor furniture, look no further than teak. Teak is the king of durable woods, as it will hold up incredibly well for many years. In fact, teak patio furniture can last so long that you can even pass it down to the next generation. The high quality makes teak furniture a great investment, as you won’t need to replace your garden furniture for a very long time. Teak also needs very minimal maintenance, making it a convenient option too. All it needs to keep it looking perfect is the occasional light sanding and gentle cleaning to remove any dirt from the surface. That’s it. Teak is dense and straight-grained. It lasts well as it will not warp or crack. It also has a high mineral content which makes it resistant to rotting, no matter how much it rains. Over time, the surface of the teak will weather to a silver-gray shade, which is just as beautiful as the original wood tone.

At Summer Cedar, we have a range of options for high-quality teak patio furniture, suitable for any outdoor space. Whether you need a small bench for the balcony, or a large dining set to host guests on the patio, we have something beautiful and of great quality to offer you. Teak will look beautiful for years to come and give you outdoor furniture you’ll love.

Teak Chairs and Benches

Teak is a classic option for garden furniture, making it a great choice for chairs and benches. Buy beautiful dining chairs, with the option to add a cushion in various colors, to pair with your outdoor dining table. If you like to entertain and sometimes need extra chairs, our teak stacking or folding chairs are ideal. They can be stored out of the way when you don’t need them and easily pulled out when you have more people using the garden or patio. If you want to really relax, try the adjustable armchair, chaise lounger, steamer chair, or rocking chair. Add seats for more people with a bench, or add gorgeous detail to your porch with a teak porch swing.

Teak Tables and Furniture Sets

If you love to eat al fresco, then a teak dining table or dining set is a good choice. Our teak range includes tables of various sizes, whether you want a small table to enjoy your coffee on the balcony, or need a large table to seat the whole family or entertain guests in the garden. An extension table is a great option, as it can be extended when you need it, and kept compact when you don’t need it, so you have more space. Paired with folding or stackable chairs, this is a great space-saving option. For two, we have the bistro set, or for larger families, you can opt for round, octagonal, oval, or rectangular tables in various sizes. For the complete finish, we also have the Patio Table Set, which includes a table, four chairs, and an umbrella to protect you from the sun.

If you would like to peruse our entire catalog, you can check it out by clicking on Teak Patio Furniture Catalog.

teak wood – Summer Cedar.com