Teak is a great wood for furniture. It is rare, and in high demand. Teak is heavy, very durable, and beautiful. Teak wood is used on boats because it withstands the water and salty conditions. It is termite and pest resistant so is very attractive to those areas of our country.
When it comes to outdoor furniture for the patio and pool there are many to choose from. If you are just starting out maybe teak is too expensive and that is just fine. All you need to do is buy a cheap set and your next purchase will be something that will last a long time. When it comes to wood, teak is the only way to go. I really like the feel of the grain and also the smell.
The best wood for shunning moisture and damage is teak: although teak is great for outdoor furniture, it is not very practical for an indoor bathroom because of the cost and maintenance. Some people love it and can make it work indoors. Teak furniture will last a long time, but you have to take care of it. It is not hard to maintain the appearance , but you just need to find the time to do it. It will change from a brown color to grey weathered look and that is when you know it is time for a cleaning.
Teak can be cleaned by using 1 part bleach and 3 parts mild laundry detergent with a little water. Wash the furniture with a soft bristled brush or a clean soft cotton cloth. I prefer the brush, as using a hard bristle brush can damage the grain in the wood. Rinse the entire piece of furniture to be positive that all the dirt is removed. Let dry and then use soft brush to apply teak wood oil to it. It soaks in so you do not have to worry about any brush marks. It is recommended to not use a pressure washer on teak furniture, and there is a product called Thompsons Water Seal that I do not recommend because it can trap the water under the seal.
Teak furniture may be expensive, but it is a piece of furniture you can pass on to the next generation and what can be better than that? I was introduced to teak when I went to Marco Island in Florida. I very much admired the color and how it can stand out. And the cushions that were on it made in very comfy from my point of view and that's all that really matters anyway. On a trip to San Francisco I also saw teak furniture in the outdoors, and was impressed when the merchant said they had had it for at least 20 years. It looked brand new so they took good care of it.
About the author: Katie Penna is retired and has enjoyed several trips to enjoy the southern temperatures. It is a nice break from the wintery weather in the north. She has always been interested in teak furniture. You can visit the site at outdoorteakfurnitureplus.com
