Specifications of Teak Wood
Teak wood is renowned for its exceptional qualities, making it one of the most sought-after materials in the furniture industry. Native to Southeast Asia, teak wood is prized for its durability, rich color, and natural resistance to the elements. Here are some key specifications:
- Density and Strength: Teak wood is a dense hardwood, providing excellent strength and durability. It has a density of approximately 41 pounds per cubic foot, making it sturdy and long-lasting.
- Natural Oils: One of the unique features of teak wood is its natural oil content. These oils act as a built-in preservative, protecting the wood from decay, insects, and moisture.
- Color and Grain: Freshly cut teak wood has a golden yellow hue, which darkens to a rich brown over time. The grain is typically straight, though it can occasionally be wavy, adding to its aesthetic appeal.
- Workability: Teak wood is relatively easy to work with, despite its density. It can be smoothly planed, sanded, and polished to a fine finish.
Is Teak Wood Good for Furniture?
In terms of durabililty, resistance to element and low maintenance the answer is yes. There are multiple grades of Teak wood, Grade A teak wood has darker reddish brown hues with a more consistent colour throughout the wood.
When considering teak wood furniture, there are several benefits of teak wood that make it an excellent choice:
- Durability: Thanks to its density and natural oils, teak wood is incredibly durable and can withstand heavy use and wear over time.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The rich, warm colors and beautiful grain patterns of teak wood enhance the visual appeal of any furniture piece.
- Resistance to Elements: Teak wood’s natural oils provide resistance to water, decay, and insects, making it an ideal material for both indoor and outdoor furniture.
- Low Maintenance: Teak wood furniture requires minimal maintenance compared to other types of wood. Its natural oils help keep it looking good with less effort.
- Longevity: High-quality teak wood furniture can last for decades, often becoming heirloom pieces passed down through generations.
Is Teak Wood Good for Outdoor Furniture?
The answer is a resounding yes. Teak wood is highly regarded for outdoor furniture due to its exceptional properties:
- Weather Resistance: The natural oils in teak wood make it highly resistant to water and weather conditions, including rain, sun, and humidity. This makes it perfect for outdoor environments where furniture is exposed to the elements.
- Durability: Teak wood’s strength ensures that outdoor furniture can withstand the rigors of daily use and harsh weather without deteriorating quickly.
- Natural Patina: Over time, teak wood develops a beautiful silver-gray patina when exposed to the elements. This weathered look is often sought after and adds character to the furniture.
- Low Maintenance: Unlike other woods that may require frequent treatment and sealing, teak wood outdoor furniture needs minimal upkeep. A simple cleaning routine is usually sufficient to maintain its appearance and integrity.
How to Care for Teak Wood Furniture?
Although teak wood furniture is known for its durability and low maintenance, some care is needed to ensure it stays in top condition. Here are some tips on how to care for teak wood furniture:
- Cleaning: Regularly clean your teak furniture with mild soapy water and a soft brush or cloth. This helps remove dirt, dust, and grime without damaging the wood.
- Stains and Spills: Wipe up stainable spills immediately to prevent staining. For tough stains, a gentle scrub with a mixture of vinegar and water can be effective. Teak wood is resistant to weather and they will dry on their own.
- Oiling: Some people prefer to oil their teak furniture to maintain its golden color. Once a year, use teak oil specifically designed for teak wood and apply it sparingly with a clean cloth. Be cautious, as over-oiling can lead to a sticky residue.
- Patina: If you prefer the natural silver-gray patina that teak wood develops over time, you can skip the oiling process. The patina does not affect the durability of the wood and adds a unique, aged look.
- Protection: Move your teak furniture to a sheltered area during extreme weather conditions, such as heatwaves, heavy rain or snow, to prolong its life.
- Storage: If you live in an area with harsh winters, consider storing your teak furniture indoors or in a garage to protect it from prolonged exposure to cold and moisture.
What to look out for when buying Teak Wood Furniture.
As mentioned throughout this blog, Teak comes in a variety of qualities or "Grades" as the industry calls them. There are three grades, A, B, and C. The Higher the Grade (A) the the closer it comes from the heartwood, the centre of the log. This heartwood has a high concentration of Teak Oil, which gives it it's darker hue compared to that of lower grade and closer to the outer layer of the log.
Grade A Teak has a stronger profile, heavier in weight, harder in colour, and has a more consistent colour throughout the wood. Having a high concentration of teak wood in the heartwood, it allows them to have a longer lifespan.
The highest quality teak can be left outside in the weather untreated and remain strong and beautiful for decades, whereas lower quality teak will have shorter lifespans even when treated.
When purchasing Teak wood consider the consistency of colour and we recommend purchasing furniture and pieces that have not split. If the furniture, such as a solid side table, already has a split in it it tells you it will have a lower lifespan and not lasting for decades to come. All teak wood will slightly split but this high grade teak will have smaller splits in the grain and a higher lifespan than other grades.
To Summarise Teak Wood
Teak wood furniture offers a combination of beauty, durability, and low maintenance that makes it a top choice for both indoor and outdoor settings. The benefits of teak wood include its resistance to weather, insects, and decay, ensuring that your furniture will last for years to come. All our our Teak Wood Furniture are treated, further resistant to weather, insects and of course decay. and Whether you're looking for a stunning dining table, a cozy outdoor lounge set, or a functional wooden folding step stool, teak wood is an excellent investment. By understanding how to care for your teak furniture, you can enjoy its timeless elegance and functionality for decades.
Is teak wood good for furniture? Absolutely. Its superior qualities make it an ideal choice for anyone seeking long-lasting, beautiful furniture that stands the test of time. Explore our collection of teak wood furniture today and transform your living spaces with the enduring charm of teak.
Explore our Teak Wood Furniture Collection.
Learn more on how to care for your outdoor wooden furniture, check out our Outdoor Furniture Care.
