Six reasons why teak is the best hardwood for outdoor furniture
“Teak has always been a prized material. The tree that teak comes from, Tectona grandis, is native to the tropics. Since around the 7th century, it has been used to outfit and adorn the residences of the wealthy and powerful. The wood’s reputation made its way out of the region through the Dutch, who colonized Indonesia.”
Today, teak is valued for its use in outdoor furniture for these six reasons:
1. Teak is weather resistant
All types of wood contain naturally occurring oils that help to protect them from the elements. However, teak can retain these oils after being cut down. By absorbing the oil content, teak provides water-repellent properties. This also prevents termites and insects from eating the wood.
Can teak furniture be left outside in winter?
“Teak outdoor furniture can be left outdoors all year round, regardless of the location. Generally speaking, in exceptionally wet conditions we recommend that the cushions are removed from that weather season and stored in a cool dry place.”
Teak will continue to look good for many years to come. If you do decide to bring your teak furniture inside during the winter, do not store it in heated rooms as it naturally expands and contracts based on changes in temperature.
2. Teak is a low maintenance material
Teak outdoor furniture doesn’t require any special maintenance or treatments to look great. However, if you want your teak furniture to retain its showroom lustre, then you might choose to use a teak sealer.

How do you maintain outdoor teak furniture?
Despite being rot and water resistant, accumulation of mildew and dirt can occur. Teak furniture can be cleaned using a mixture of vinegar and warm water. Check out this guide to learn more.
3. Not susceptible to cracking, splintering or decay
Thanks to the remarkable properties of teak as a hardwood, it can be easily machined without worrying about splintering or cracking and will last in wet conditions for a long time without breaking down.
4. Teak lasts a lifetime
