Why Choose Teak Wood Outdoor Furniture? Benefits and Care Guide

Planning on furnishing your outdoor area? Consider Teak outdoor furniture – there’s a reason why it remains popular despite the rise of other materials like resin, or synthetic fibres. 

Australia, with its love for outdoor living, is the perfect canvas for the timeless allure of teak furniture. Teak, often referred to as the "king of wood," holds an esteemed position as the premier choice for crafting exquisite, natural outdoor furniture. Its rarity, akin to a "national treasure" in countries like Myanmar and Indonesia, is lauded with a reverence that echoes an old European saying comparing its value to gold. 

Characteristics and Benefits of Teak Furniture 

Thanks to the rise of Scandinavian or Nordic-style interior design, more people have grown fond of light-coloured timber for their indoor space. But homeowners also use teak outdoor furniture for aesthetic uniformity – and its other highly-sought advantages. 

But what are the benefits of having teak outdoor furniture?

Here are some other interesting facts:

Long-lasting 

An article by escapeartist.com states that teak outdoor furniture can last for 70 years or longer. One of the reasons is due to the teak’s closely packed grains. Moreover, the natural oils of teak repel pests that can damage the timber. 

However, just because teak is durable, it doesn’t mean it's stiff – as wood stiffness can easily damage timber. 

Flexible 

Ever had a table warp after placing a potted plant on its surface? It’s probably because the material is made of inflexible wood – or softwood. However, teak is hardwood – yet – is flexible enough to not warp from the weight or stress placed on it. 

This is why teak is highly preferred as a timber outdoor furniture material. Combined with humidity and weather, sitting on or using outdoor furniture makes the furniture pieces susceptible to wear and tear quickly. 

However, even if the teak is in its end stage, it doesn’t mean it belongs in the dumpster. 

Eco-friendly 

Deforestation has long been a global concern. Hence, people steering from buying wooden furniture pieces. Fortunately, some types of wood can be reclaimed – teak is one of them. 

Instead of chopping down more trees to make teak outdoor furniture, many carpenters and furniture makers recycle used teak to create new furniture pieces. Furthermore, since teak can last for generations, there’s less likely the need to buy new furniture. 

Finding genuine teak, however, can be challenging for those unfamiliar with timber and teak’s physical properties. 

Identifying Real Teak 

Besides the luxurious feel and relatively heavy weight of teak, there are other ways to identify genuine teak. 

Some physical properties of teak include: 

Colour 

Assuming the timber isn’t varnished or tinted, teak colours usually range from light to dark brown. However, raw teak is usually neutral to warm-toned honey-brown. 

Moreover, teak has a distinct scent. 

Fragrance 

As stated, teak is high in natural oils. Therefore, it emits a unique fragrance. Many say it smells similar to leather. 

But it’s also possible to identify teak when looked at up close. 

Grains 

It’s easy to tell genuine teak as it has minimal space between its grains. Furthermore, the grain patterns on teak are usually straight. In some instances, teak can have wavy patterns.   

*For more information and better visualisation of wood grain patterns, check out this article by the Wood Magazine. 

Found the perfect teak furniture pieces yet? If so, time to pamper it – so it lasts for several years. 

How Remarkable Outdoor Living Source Their Teak Furniture 

Our outdoor furniture is more than just an aesthetic choice; it's a conscious decision to support the planet. We pride ourselves on sourcing teak sustainably and harvesting responsibly. For pieces that don't demand extensive wood, we exclusively use FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified teak wood or legal wood sourced from Indonesia, notably from PT Perhutani. 

The Forest Stewardship Council, a non-profit organisation, lays down stringent standards for responsible forest management. Unlike simply boycotting wood products, the FSC aims to create a positive impact on the planet, biodiversity, and the economies linked to forests. We're not just crafting furniture; we're crafting a sustainable future. 

Remarkable Exterior Style Guide 

Outdoor Timber Dining Tables – Remarkable Outdoor Living (remarkablefurniture.com.au) 

Maintaining Teak Furniture to Preserve Its Quality 

Just because teak is long-lasting and durable, that doesn’t mean it requires no maintenance. However, maintaining teak is easy. Simply make sure to regularly do the following: 

1. Remove Dust 

Unvarnished wood is typically porous. Therefore, it easily collects dust. For household safety, dust teak furniture to prevent allergies – or potential HVAC damage. 

While this step may lean toward the benefit of the household members and their health, dull and unkept teak outdoor furniture decreases its aesthetic appeal. Moreover, dusty furniture makes it difficult to polish or varnish them. Or worse, sealing them – as sealing dusty teak locks in the dirt, grime, and moulds. 

However, dust isn’t the only thing to avoid. 

2. Avoid Getting Teak Outdoor Furniture Pieces Wet 

Teak is naturally moisture resistant. But as far as raw timber goes, none of them are waterproof. That said, as soon as that cup of coffee spills on the teak table, wipe it – before the liquid seeps into the wood. Not only does moisture make woods swell, but it can also make timber flimsy. 

But if the teak furniture already got wet and is swelling, try removing the swollen part. 

3. Sand – If Needed 

If the teak furniture piece is damaged by water or moisture, do the following: 

• Wait for the wood to fully dry. Or, 
• Use a hair dryer set to cold to medium heat to aid in the drying process. 
• Sand the water-damaged area. 

When sanding, try to do it in the direction along its grains – never against it, as doing that can damage the teak’s structural integrity. Think of it as breaking up each fibre of a rope. 

Use coarse grit sandpaper to get rid of the swollen area. Afterwards, switch to a finer grit to prevent splinters. 

*Make sure to wear protective gear when sanding. Wear gloves, goggles, and a mask. 

However, sanding the water-damaged area also strips off the teak’s sealant and natural oils. To restore its polished state, apply wood-friendly oil. Better yet, use beeswax to ensure the polish is non-toxic. 

Once the teak’s moisture is restored, the last step is to lock in that moisture. 

4. Apply Oil Sealer 

As naturally abundant in oil as teak is, regular cleaning can strip it off. To minimise the frequency of oil application, seal the present oil in the furniture pieces by applying sealant to it. But before applying, make sure to follow the steps above. 

Once teak furniture is free from dust and water damage, leave it out in the sun for a few weeks, ensuring it’s free from moisture and the grains open up – to allow the teak to absorb more furniture sealer. 

Afterwards, apply a thin and even layer of sealant. 

Keep in mind that furniture sealants need to be applied annually or depending on furniture use. If people use it more often, then wear and tear may come quicker. Furthermore, extreme and harsh weather conditions can contribute to its quicker depletion. 

Note: 

These maintenance steps apply to most – if not, all – timber furniture. Even more so when they’re placed outdoors. 

On the flip side, compared to other timber materials, teak is relatively low maintenance as its properties, by default, are already what many homeowners seek in furniture. 

Conclusion 

Furniture material matters. When delving into the world of timber, one stands out – teak. It’s classy, durable, sustainable, and low maintenance. 

Reference Sources 

• https://teakanddeck.com/blog/teak-furniture-care/  
• https://www.wood-database.com/teak/ 
• https://bioresources.cnr.ncsu.edu/resources/consumer-attitudes-toward-preference-and-use-of-wood-woodenware-and-furniture-a-sample-from-kayseri-turkey/  
• https://www.sierralivingconcepts.com/blog/different-types-of-wood-used-in-furniture-making   
• https://cotswoldteak.com/blog/is-it-genuine-or-fake-teak-10-questions-to-ask-before-you-buy  
• https://www.patioproductions.com/blog/how-to/teak-furniture-care-maintenance/  
• https://www.restorationdonellc.com/post/how-to-fix-water-damaged-swollen-wood-furniture  

FAQs

1. Why is teak the best choice for outdoor furniture?
   

   Teak is considered one of the best choices for outdoor furniture due to its unmatched durability, stunning natural aesthetics, and exceptional weather resistance. Its natural oils make it resistant to rot, decay, and insects, ensuring that it can withstand various climatic conditions.
   
   

2. How can I verify the authenticity of teak in outdoor furniture?
   

   To verify genuine teak, look for its distinct colour, which ranges from golden to medium brown, and its tight, straight grain pattern. Authentic teak also has a natural oil scent reminiscent of leather. These characteristics, combined with its relatively heavy weight, help differentiate it from other woods.
   
   

3. Is teak outdoor furniture sustainable?
   

   Yes, teak outdoor furniture can be sustainable, especially when sourced from responsibly managed plantations like we do. These sustainable practices ensure a steady supply of teak without contributing to deforestation, making your choice of teak furniture both eco-friendly and socially responsible.
   
   

4. What care does teak outdoor furniture require?
   

   Teak furniture requires minimal maintenance due to its natural durability and oil content. To maintain its beauty and longevity, periodically clean it with mild soap and water, avoid leaving it wet for prolonged periods, and consider applying a teak protector or sealer every few years to preserve its natural colour.
   
   

5. What sets teak apart in outdoor furnishings?
   

   Teak sets itself apart with its timeless elegance, ability to withstand harsh weather conditions, and low maintenance needs. Its natural oils provide inherent resistance to moisture, decay, and pests, making it an ideal material for luxurious and long-lasting outdoor furniture. Additionally, teak's classic look and feel make it a versatile choice for any outdoor setting, from modern to traditional.