At this point in the year, residents of the UK are longing to spend time outside, and many of us are preparing our outdoor areas for use during the warmer months so that we may host guests. Outdoor furniture is an extension of our house that enables us to enjoy spending time outside and may be used on the patio, the deck, or the porch. The most important thing on my bucket list is to find a restaurant or lounge that is both aesthetically pleasing and functionally sound, and I don’t think I’m the only one who feels this way. There are numerous reasons why teak furniture has been on many people’s wish lists for outdoor furniture for a long time, and here are six things you should know before you plan the arrangement of your teak furniture.
1. WHAT IS TEAK?
Originally found in South and Southeast Asia, teak trees produce a thick, close-grained tropical hardwood that is rich in its own natural oil content. Teak is known for its use in furniture and flooring. Because of this, it is very resistant to the impacts of the sun, rain, frost, and snow, as well as hard-wearing, rot-resistant, termite-resistant, and nearly immune to the effects of these elements. All of the reasons why it is ideal for use outside in the fresh air
The “heart wood” of a teak tree is harvested for the highest quality teak. This is the centre of the tree. The “sap wood” that comes from the outer ring is not suitable for use in the construction of garden or patio furniture.
Because teak is so resistant to wear and tear, even in the most severe environments, it has long been employed in the shipbuilding industry for the construction of boats and yachts.
2. SUSTAINABILITY
Teak from plantations is seen as a renewable resource, and as such, it is both harvested and replanted in order to create a sustainable supply. A maker of high-quality teak products called Gloster has its own teak plantation and only harvests the teak that it also plants; this helps to ensure that there will always be a sustainable supply of teak.
Plantation teak typically reaches full maturity between the ages of 35 and 50 years after it has begun growing. In a teak plantation, new saplings are painstakingly nurtured and planted at the same rate as older trees are cut down. For example, in order to obtain teak of the highest grade, the life cycle of a Gloster teak tree must be at least fifty years long.
3. NATURE’S AGEING PROCESS
Teak does not require any kind of treatment, which is one of its many attractive qualities. When left untreated, teak will experience a process of natural ageing when it is exposed to the sun. It was originally a warm golden colour, but with time, exposure to sunlight will cause it to patina to a pale silvery-grey colour.
You may give it a gentle sanding with some fine-grit sandpaper to restore some of the golden tones while still trying to preserve the natural teak colour. Alternately, you may darken the look of the teak by sanding it down and using a teak sealant once a year to keep its golden brown colour.
4. CARE AND CLEANING
Teak of top quality will survive for decades with just minor maintenance. Your investment-grade teak outdoor furniture will continue to look great for many years to come as long as you keep it clean on a regular basis and prevent mildew and stains.
When working with high-quality teak, staining and oiling are neither required nor advised. The treatment of teak with oil might promote the growth of mildew. Some manufacturers would colour what is known as “sap wood” (wood removed from the tree’s outside portion) to make it appear to be of higher quality than it actually is. The sapwood that comes from a teak tree has a low to nonexistent resistance to rot and insects and does not hold up well when used in the manufacture of furniture.
5. INVESTMENT
Because of its inherent resistance to the elements, teak is the most sought-after species of wood for use in outdoor settings. Because of this, teak furniture is considered investment-grade furniture since it is something you will have for many years to come. These pieces of furniture are ideal for families who have recently moved into what they hope will be their forever home and are seeking pieces of furniture that will allow them to relax and amuse their children and grandchildren for many years to come.
It is regarded as having a moderate development rate since plantation teak has such a lengthy growing cycle. This guarantees that the density of its growth rings remains consistent throughout each season, leading to very sturdy furniture that is rated to survive for at least 30 years without showing any signs of wear and tear. The finest teak furniture is considered investment-grade outdoor furniture because of its slow growth, kiln-dried state, and construction using mortise and tenon joints.
6. STYLE
Teak has been a popular choice for outdoor furniture for many years; nevertheless, the forms and patterns of teak furniture have also evolved to keep up with changing fashions. The design possibilities with teak are virtually limitless when combined with other materials like metal and wicker and when stunning all-weather textiles are added to the mix. Take a look at a small selection of the original, innovative, and up-to-date fashions that are offered to consumers today.
Menu