words Al Woods
Teak wood is one of the most in-demand materials on the market. This is because it’s durable, water-resistant, and is less likely to rot, which is why most products made of teak wood are extremely expensive, and this is especially true for furniture.
For that reason, if you’re aiming to purchase a piece of outdoor teak furniture, you must make sure you get the most value out of your money.
So, before shopping, it might be best to learn more about this product. With that said, here are six things you need to know when looking for outdoor teak furniture.
FSC Certified Teak Wood Are Generally Better
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an organization that promotes responsible use and management of forest resources. They ensure that manufacturers use timber and other forest sources according to the correct environmental and economic standards. Since you’re most likely going to stumble upon fake products at some point, your best bet is to purchase outdoor teak furniture from brands that have an FSC certification. If you want to find an FSC certified brand, Neighbor’s teak furniture might be an excellent place to start.
Teak Trees Have High Natural Oil Content
Teak trees are dense tropical hardwood containing vast amounts of natural oil. This particular characteristic makes it highly resistant to rotting, termites, weather, wearing, and other environmental factors, like rain, frost, snow, and sun. That’s precisely why it’s one of the best materials for outdoor furniture.
So, if you ever come across a piece of outdoor teak furniture that doesn’t have any of these properties, it’s either not made of natural teak wood or the craftsmanship is poor to the point that it downgraded the quality. Either way, there’s no reason for settling with that furniture, even if it’s cheap.
Don’t Shy Away From Expensive Teak Furniture
You already know that teak wood is expensive, so, naturally, most outdoor teak furniture would be the same. However, there will be some products that are extremely expensive compared to similar products. If you stumble upon these pieces of furniture, don’t be afraid to inspect them. Chances are there’s a feature that makes up for its relatively higher price. There’s even a chance it’s made of premium teak, which is a type of teak wood that’s grown differently from others.
What makes premium teak expensive is that it usually lasts for generations, so one can say that it’s a worthwhile investment. Moreover, treating outdoor teak furniture isn’t necessary as it already does so when exposed to the sun. In short, while some outdoor teak furniture is more expensive than others, they’re definitely worth the investment most of the time.
Outdoor Teak Furniture Have Three Types
Up until now, you’ve only learned about how to look for quality outdoor teak furniture, so you might be wondering if teak wood also comes in different styles. Lucky for you, it does.
When purchasing a piece of outdoor teak furniture, you can choose from three different types:
- Unsealed/Unfinished: Premium teak furniture is often unfinished, which means there’s no finish applied. This allows the wood to age and weather naturally. After several months of exposure to the sunlight, the wood would become greyish. People who prefer seeing their furniture change in color and texture usually go for unsealed teak.
- Sealed: If you prefer the look of new outdoor teak furniture, sealed teak is your best choice. Sealed teak has a sealant applied, which prevents it from weathering naturally, lengthening lifespan. Note that the wood won’t change in color.
- Weathered: Weathered teak wood has a silvery grey color, and you can accentuate this color and its grain by applying teak oil every now and then. This combination works well if you’re going for the vintage or classy look.
This is also another thing that makes teak one of the top trends in outdoor living spaces–you have several options to choose from. You can go for a natural look, a new look, or a classic style. Regardless, it doesn’t change the fact that teak wood is durable, no matter its style.
Final Words
Although teak wood is certainly up there when it comes to durability and adaptiveness, that’s not to say you shouldn’t do anything to maintain it. Remember, you spent a long of money on that outdoor teak furniture, so you might as well make the most out of it. Who knows, if you can properly maintain it, it may even become a family heirloom.
