Purchasing Teak Wood Patio Furniture makes a lot of sense. The market is flooded with imitation teak furniture and there are a few reasons why it is highly regarded – many of these reasons stem from the unique qualities that the wood possesses.
Teak wood patio furniture was a status symbol a long time ago (and still is to some degree). It was labeled as the Prince of Hardwoods and the Rich Man’s Wood because it was expensive.
However, it was expensive for a reason. Teak has the capacity to outlast the majority of woods in terms of strength. It was a common wood for boat building because it had the ability to repel water and insects. It is also highly resistant to mold and fungus.
The Dutch were quick to set up teak farms in the 1800s in Dutch controlled Java. As the Dutch were forced out of Indonesia, the Indonesian government gained the rights to the farms and now have a fairly lucrative cash crop on their hands. They also heavily regulate their teak industries.
Teak contains a high amount of rubber and silica oils throughout the wood. This is why it is heavily resistant to water – even without being subjected to any real chemical treatments. In fact, teak is cured by exposing the wood under the bark to the elements. Because teak is highly resistant to the elements, it is regarded as the best wood to make patio furniture out of.
It was quite a rare wood at one point – and to some degree still is – which is why it was generally only purchased by the wealthy.
People collect antique teak furniture for this reason. It ages well and retains its strength for a long period of time. It generally outlasts the glue holding the furniture together – rust will often eat away at any metal supports long before the wood is affected. As previously stated; teak contains silica oils which lay beneath the surface of the wood for an extended period of time.
The outer oils disintegrate fairly quickly, however the oils in the middle of the wood remain in place for a long time. This gives teak a long lasting strength and the ability to withstand rot that may normally start at the core of the wood. This is why it is so important to be wary of imitation teak furniture – it will not have the same properties as real teak has.
Teak is fairly widely used now and not as rare as it once was. It is no longer just a status symbol but a wise first choice in regards to Teak Wood Patio Furniture. You may find cheaper wood furniture for use in the garden or patio but it is unlikely to last as long as an equivalent teak setting. It will also require a lot more maintenance than a teak setting in order to keep it safe from rot and marauding insects.
Teak is an aesthetically pleasing wood as well. It ages into a lovely silver-gray color and generally has streaks of its original color throughout the silver-gray. So, if you are in the market for patio furniture, make sure that you purchase Teak Wood Patio Furniture.