It is known that teak is the best wood to use in the manufacture of outdoor furniture. It’s durability, strength and resistance to water, pests and all kinds of rot means that it can stay outside most of the year with very little care and attention required – even in the often harsh Northern European winters.

Teak is not cheap though and naturally, potential customers might be concerned whether the price tag is a reflection of the quality and might need help choosing the right product. Of primary concerns for most people will be the design of the furniture item, the look of the wood and their personal comfort. There are key indicators to look out for in checking quality and suitability when searching furniture shops.

Grading Teak Furniture

Three different grades exist:

  • Grade A comes from the centre of the log of mature trees (those over 20 years old). It has a very dense core - or heartwood. Because it is the heart of the trunk it is low in moisture and high in oil content. This makes it the best quality wood for garden furniture as the oils protect against the elements, whatever the conditions
  • Grade Bteak is also taken from the heartwood of a teak tree - but from semi-mature specimens. Furniture made from this grade will be cheaper but the wood has less in the way of natural oils. It is less durable than Grade A and is therefore less suitable for garden furniture – expect to need to replace it after a few years without considerable care and attention
  • Grade C teak is made entirely from outer sections of a tree. They are high in moisture and low in oil content – this makes it only suitable for indoor furniture as it is likely to succumb to the elements in next to no time. Grade C wood also lacks the aesthetic that often draws the eye of the teak lover. The wood is often characterised by uneven, lighter colouring and wider-spaced grains. It will also be markedly cheaper than its higher quality cousins

Workmanship of Teak Furniture

As a customer you will undoubtedly be looking for the highest quality workmanship – especially if you are paying a lot of money for a piece. Garden furniture shops are often a long way from the manufacturer in the Far East (where teak grows), so you want to be assured of the quality as you carefully make your purchase. You do not want to compromise on your comfort or the durability of the furniture in the long term.

It is fashionable for the discerning shopper to look for assurances of “hand crafted” tradition of the piece they are buying. In the 21st century we like to feel that we are supporting the small business and the traditional manufacturer against big companies. Where teak furniture is concerned, this can be a pitfall if the quality is not very good. Though the same pitfalls exist in low-cost factories, in general terms machine-made teak furniture is today considered of better standard. Take time to ensure that the quality of a piece is high before you make your purchase – it should last a lifetime and your selection should take this into account. Expert garden furniture shops will be more than happy to give you as much detail about the piece as they possibly can.