Teak Wood: What Is It, Its Uses, And Is It Right For You?

Teak wood is the go-to option in the garden furniture industry. But what makes it so good? Find out now in this in-depth guide! 

For decades, teak wood has been used in many forms of outdoor furniture, from wooden benches, to wooden garden lounge furniture. Many praise it for its weatherproof, durable properties. But what exactly is teak wood, where does it come from, what else can it be used for, and is it right for you? In this article, we will answer these questions and more as we present a thorough, expert-led insight into what teak wood is, and why you should opt for it for your garden.

Key points:

• Uncover the origins and growth process of teak wood.
• Understand the unique properties that make teak ideal for outdoor furniture.
• Discover the advantages and challenges of choosing teak for your home.
• Maintenance tips to preserve the beauty and durability of teak wood.
• How to determine if teak wood furniture is the right investment for you.

What is Teak Wood?

Teak wood originally comes from a Tectona grandis tree, and is a premier hardwood famous for its durability and aesthetic appeal. Originating from South and Southeast Asia, teak is celebrated not only for its striking golden hue and smooth texture but also for its natural oil and rubber content which improves its durability and resistance to adverse weather and decay.

Where Does Teak Wood Come From?

Since teak wood is traditionally sourced from a Tectona grandis, this particular species native is usually found in South and Southeast Asia. Capable of reaching up to 50 metres in height and living for around 100 years, teak is valued for its beauty and resilience, withstanding threats from pests, fungi, and the elements without losing its charm.

While Indonesia stands as the top producer, teak wood is cultivated across various global locales, each contributing unique characteristics to the teak market:

• Laos: Laos is renowned for its high-quality teak, which combines striking aesthetics with robust physical properties, making it a favourite for furniture and decorative applications.
• Costa Rica: Costa Rica has emerged as a leader in sustainable teak production. The country’s commitment to environmentally friendly cultivation practices ensures its teak not only meets but influences market standards towards sustainability.
• Brazil: Brazil offers teak with unique colour variations, ranging from warm browns to reddish hues, providing creative options for builders and designers looking to incorporate a distinctive look in their projects

Teak ranks among the faster-growing tropical hardwoods, expanding at about half an inch per day. However, it requires at least 25 years to mature sufficiently for harvesting, a testament to its long-term investment value for use in furniture and construction.

Teak Properties 

Teak wood is not just any hardwood; it’s often regarded as the ‘king of woods.’ Its close-grained texture adds to its water resistance and durability, making it the ideal choice for outdoor furniture. Additionally, on the Janka Wood Hardness Scale, teak scores between 1000-1155, indicating its superior hardness compared to many other woods.

It can be is often used for:

• Decking (including marine decking, residential decking, and decking tiles)
• Siding
• Marine trim and millwork
• Teak garden furniture

Teak is more variable when used as indoor furniture but often shows the material at its most beautiful. Teak can be used for:

• Marine interiors
• Flooring
• Teak and holly flooring
• Furniture
• Mouldings
• Custom millwork

Another interesting fact is what is in teak oil. Teak oil is a blend of refined oils including tung oil and linseed oil. Furthermore, these particular oils provide natural protection and a glossier wooden finish to whatever items they are polished onto.

Is Teak Wood Durable?

As mentioned, teak wood is well known for being durable. With its high content of natural oils and minerals, teak is remarkably resilient, easily withstanding extreme weather conditions and resistant to rotting. This makes teak an ideal choice for both outdoor and indoor furniture, reflecting its status as a long-lasting material.

Is Teak Wood Weather Resistant?

Teak’s high oil and rubber content make it extremely resistant to rot, allowing it to be left outdoors all year-round without deterioration, even under harsh weather conditions. Over time, teak naturally ages to a silvery-grey patina, a cosmetic change that many find appealing. This weathering does not affect the structural integrity of the wood, which remains strong and resilient.

Does Teak Get Wet?

While teak wood is not completely waterproof, its natural oils provide significant protection against moisture, making it resistant to the usual detrimental effects like warping and splitting. Regular maintenance can help manage the appearance of water marks or dark patches after rain, ensuring teak furniture retains its aesthetic qualities, hence why teak is the best water resistant wood. 

How Much Does Teak Furniture Weigh?

Teak furniture is typically heavy, due to its dense, close-grained hardwood structure with small, consistently sized pores. The weight of teak furniture varies based on its grade and construction. A-grade teak, sourced from the heart of the tree trunk, is particularly heavy due to its dense cellulose fibres and high concentration of teak oil, but in doing so, enables the furniture to be stronger and more appealing for garden aesthetics, especially for those that prefer a more natural approach. 

When choosing what teak furniture is right for you, looking for A-grade teak will ensure that the product is of the highest quality, like our memorial benches. Teak furniture usually features a long, straight grain pattern and smooth texture, highlighting the quality of the wood. Lower-grade teak might display more varied patterns, including wavy or interlocking grains, which are more common in parts of the tree with less oil concentration. The golden-brown colour and uniform texture of high-grade teak are sought after for their beauty and consistency.

Ensure to clean your patio ready for your teak garden furniture to keep your garden looking elegant and pristine.

How Long Can Teak Garden Furniture Last?

Teak garden furniture is renowned for its longevity. Capable of lasting 50-70 years or more, teak’s reliant nature ensures that it remains a strong focal point in gardens for generations. Notably, some of the oldest teak park benches in Britain have been standing for nearly a century, a testament to teak’s endurance and timeless charm. Its impressive lifespan is caused by its strength and durability to the elements, and it can impressively withstand not being treated by preservatives and ointments.

Teak furniture includes:

• Outdoor benches
• Garden tables
• Side tables
• TV units
• Lounge chairs

Why Does Teak Wood Crack?

Teak wood may display small cracks or splits, known as checks or end grain checking, due to fluctuations in humidity and temperature. Despite these minor imperfections, teak’s inherent strength ensures that such occurrences rarely impact the structural integrity or longevity of the furniture. This resilience is part of what makes teak a valuable material for both indoor and outdoor use.

How Much Does Teak Wood Cost?

Teak wood is often perceived as expensive, but its value extends beyond initial costs. The timeless beauty of Grade A teak means it withstands harsh weather conditions and retains its aesthetic appeal for decades, making it a cost-effective, one-time investment for lifelong use.

The Benefits of Teak Wood Furniture

Investing in teak wood furniture offers numerous advantages, particularly for outdoor environments, which we have shown throughout this article. However, as a reminder, here is what you need to know:

• Long lasting
• Natural colours and appearance
• Water resistant
• Rot resistant
• Can be restored and reclaimed
• Resistance to splitting
• Easy to use

Find out how to restore teak furniture now to ensure it stands the test of time.

How To Maintain Teak Wood

To maintain the quality and appearance of teak wood, proper care is crucial:

• Choosing the right products: Use specifically designed teak care products to avoid damaging the wood’s surface. Incorrect treatments can lead to long-term damage.
• Preserving colour: To prevent discoloration and protect against environmental threats such as mildew, applying a protective teak oil is recommended. This helps maintain the wood’s vibrant colour and protects its surface.

Is Teak Wood and Furniture Right For You?

With all that being said, that is everything that you need to know about teak wood and teak furniture. However, there is still one important decision to make – is it right for you? Only by considering the information offered in this insightful article can you make the right decision for your garden and your chosen garden furniture. But if you want a garden that looks more natural, aesthetically appealing, and want your guests to sit comfortably, then choose teak wood. 

Choose Sloane & Sons For Teak Wood Furniture

Sloane and Sons specialises in crafting exquisite outdoor furniture that embodies durability and timeless elegance, with teak wood as the cornerstone of our offerings. Each teak furniture item is designed to not only aid your garden’s aesthetics but also to offer a sustainable, long-lasting outdoor seating solution. By choosing Sloane and Sons, you’re investing in quality teak furniture that promises to transform your outdoor spaces into inviting retreats for years to come.

Want to know more advice on maintaining your garden, as well as a plethora of gardening ideas? Delve into our blog to find out more!

FAQs

Sources

WoodCo. (2023) Understanding the Janka Wood Hardness Scale. [online] Available at: https://www.woodco.com/blog/wood-wisdom-13/understanding-the-janka-wood-hardness-scale-14 [accessed 18/07/24]
Forest Stewardship Council. (n.d.). [online] Available at: https://fsc.org/en  [Accessed 26/07/24]

Anna Sharples

Anna is the marketing and office manager for Garden Benches – a premium supplier of high-quality wooden benches and other outdoor furniture.