Choosing Outdoor Teak Furniture

People choose outdoor teak furniture for their patios because of its natural wood beauty. This type of wood not only looks good but features many reasons why it is much sought after around the world. Teak contains natural oils that help it withstand the harsh conditions of the rain forests where they grow. This oil makes it resistant to the elements, insects and rotting.

Outdoor teak furniture is more expensive than popular woods such as oak, cedar and redwood due to its durability and natural strength. When teak furniture is new it has a rich honey hue. As it ages and it is exposed to the elements, it turns a silver grey like color. Finely aged teak stands out with its silvery like color. If you do not want the wood to turn color with age then you will need to apply a protector coating to maintain the original color. This coating needs to be applied every few months according to some experts.

Due to the high maintenance involved, not everyone who owns outdoor teak furniture is willing to undertake this regular task. Some experts feel that regular oiling will cause irregular coloring or even cause mildew to form. This type of outdoor furniture should not be painted or stained. The natural oils in the wood can cause the paint or stain to not properly stick to the surface of the wood.

If you feel that staining or painting the wood is something you want to do, it is best to consult an expert on the subject. Check with your local retailer of outdoor teak furniture. Make sure you speak to the owner or an experienced employee. You can always do a search on the internet as well because there are numerous sites that specialize in teak wood furniture. Teak is imported from South East Asia and Indonesia. Many years ago, this wood was used specifically for the building of ships because of its strength and durability.

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