General Information About Teak Outdoor Furniture

In the 1700s, the traders of the Dutch East India Company in Indonesia began to recognise the value of teak due to its natural non-slip surface, amazing durability, water resistance, and decay resistance. This led to the Dutch electing to use it as the wood of choice for their naval vessels, allowing these ships to sail longer and farther than those of other nations. These teak wood ships, named Dutch East Indiamen, made the Netherlands an economic power that rivalled that of England and Spain. Eventually, the rest of Europe caught up with the Dutch. This naval upgrade exists through...

Reclaimed Teak wood is extremely rare. Old growth teak only grows in a few places on earth. These forests grew for centuries before the demand for teak soared. The old trees were anywhere from 300-500 years in age, if not older, before they were cut down in the 1800’s to build homes, boats and buildings for the local communities. In the case of Indonesia the reclaimed teak wood has been on structures for 100-300 years. This time in the weather, heat and moisture has hardened the old growth Teak even more, straightening the already strong wood even more and giving...

The quality of teak wood can be determined by its grade. There are three different grades used to indicate the quality of the teak: grade A, grade B, and grade C. So, how do they differ from one another? Grade A teak: The best quality available, Grade A teak, is taken from the heart wood at the centre of the teak tree. It is characterised by a close grain and a warm honey colour, with very few knots present in the wood. It will be rich in the natural oils that protect the teak from weathering and other potentially harmful elements....

Avoid using all-purpose wood cleaners or generic varnish. Teak wood has very specific qualities and requires teak specific products for maintenance for the best results. Varnish should be avoided as it can cause chipping and flaking. Do not use pressure-washing devices on teak outdoor furniture. Pressure washers can cause damage such as coarse splintering and discolouration to the furniture’s surface. Do not use steel or brass wool brushes on teak furniture, as they are too abrasive. A simple kitchen sponge will do the job.

Teak outdoor furniture is very durable and resilient on its own, but in Australia’s diverse and sometimes extreme climate there are tips you will need to know to ensure your furniture is preserved for as long as possible. Australian summers are notoriously harsh, so you may need to apply sealant or oil more regularly, especially if your furniture is kept in direct sunlight, to avoid losing the furniture’s golden tone. Luckily, sun exposure will not cause any structural damage to teak outdoor furniture making it perfect for Australian conditions. The severity of Australian winters varies regionally, and while teak is...

The easiest way to maintain the golden tone of new teak outdoor furniture is to use a teak sealant soon after purchasing, and continue to apply the sealant annually. This is usually enough to maintain the desired tone as teak naturally produces its own oil. If you do wish to oil your teak outdoor furniture and keep it looking as new and not aged, there are teak specific oils available with added UV protection and mildew repellents, which are particularly important in Australian conditions. Make sure you clean your teak furniture and allow it to dry before using sealant or...