Teak Outdoor Furniture

On a beautiful spring, summer, fall (or depending on where you live) winter day, there is nothing better than relaxing outdoors.  For years, especially for those living in warmer climates, people have been “bringing the outside in” and vice versa.  A good example of this is teak outdoor furniture. 

Teak outdoor furniture has padded cushioned sofas and loveseats; dining chairs with armrests, coffee tables and end tables, just like what would be found inside in a living room.  Simpler pieces, such as folding chairs, small side tables, and of course the traditional umbrella table and chairs sets are also available in teak.

Teak is expensive, why stick it outside?  Because, once used for decks on sailing ships, teak is an oily, dense tropical hardwood that resists weather, repels wood boring insects and does not splinter.  Teak does not break down in the sun like plastic, does not rust or corrode, and does not bend like tubular metals.  Teak is smooth to the touch, is not affected by suntan lotions or body oils and is cooler than its metal counterparts are. 

In its natural state, teak is a honey-brown color, its oils giving it a polished look.  It does not require stain or special treatment.  Over the years, teak will develop a silvery-gray patina that aids in protecting the wood underneath.  If the honey color is preferred, a light sanding, or the use of teak oils can revive teak’s natural state.  To prevent the patina, and to preserve the natural color of the teak outdoor furniture, a preservative can be applied if desired.

Teak outdoor furniture comes in all types, as previously mentioned, with recliners and loungers topping the popularity chart.  These pieces often come with cushions, wider than average armrests, and/or drink trays.  Because they are heavier than normal, chaise loungers and recliners usually come with two or more wheels to make positioning and repositioning much easier.

Adirondack chairs are also very popular teak outdoor furniture pieces.  With their high backs, contoured seats and wide armrests, they provide not only a place to sit, but also a place to put food and drink.  Outdoor cafes and bistros often use Adirondack chairs for that very reason, allowing more seating and eliminating the need for tables.

However, at the higher end of the price range for outdoor furniture, teak makes up for its cost in durability.  Teak outdoor furniture has been documented to last as long as 70 years, and in England some of the teak garden benches have been there for over a century.  Some pieces have even been known to be passed from generation to generation as a family heirloom.

Manufacturing of teak outdoor furniture is energy efficient, more so than some metal and resin fabrications.  Therefore, buying wood could be a better ecological purchase than buying cast aluminum or molded plastic.  Moreover, from a financial point of view, teak outdoor furniture is an investment, a one-time purchase.  Furniture made from other materials may need to be replaced several times over the course of a life. 

© 2007 www.teakwoodpatio.com: teak outdoor furniture