Teak Wood Outdoor Furniture - King of the Forest...and the Garden!

If you are considering wood for your outdoor

space, then teak wood outdoor furniture should be

on your list. It has been used for centuries in the

marine industry because there is hands down no

other wood that performs as well. It is a dense, close

grained hardwood, high in natural oil content. It

resists rotting-even when untreated and is almost

impervious to the effects of rain, snow, sun, and

frost.

© Barlow Tyrie

As demand has risen for this valuable wood,

unfortunately, so have unscrupulous practices in

logging. With this knowledge, it becomes

important as a consumer to evaluate options based

not only on features of the furniture but is the wood

coming from responsible sources?...are they

adhering to practices that will ensure a future for

this beautiful commodity?.. and of course is the

quality the best value for your dollars?

experience, there is a fairly easy way to navigate

through the thousands of choices to find the best,

most responsible teak wood outdoor furniture brands who are

providing end products of superior quality while maintaining a

standard of conduct acceptable to protect the

industry.


The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is

considered the most inclusive and strict

organization formed to protect teak forests. Because

logging takes place in many different countries,

finding a way to regulate worldwide is crucial. The

FSC has done an excellent job of setting the

standard for logging practices. Teak grown on

plantations which require replacing what is taken

will ensure that there is always renewal of this

valuable commodity.


Another important agency worth noting is

the FEQ (First European Quality) designation. It

ensures the buyer that the teak being used is true

tectona grandis, the finest species. It also ensures

that the pieces selected are the best within that

species. There are many fine large companies that

own their own plantations, hand-select only the

finest pieces, and adhere to all of these practices

voluntarily but these two designations are

particularly useful in determining the credibility of

smaller, equally acceptable sources.

© Diamond Teak | Spirit Song Bench

Once it has been established that the wood

comes from reputable sources, there a few key

considerations that will lead you toward choosing

teak outdoor furniture that will provide you with

many years of enjoyment. Kiln-dried wood is

important for close-fitting joints and assures stability

of the finished piece. Marine quality stainless steel

hardware is best to avoid corrosion after outdoor

exposure. Design features discussed on the general

page about wood garden furniture will be

particulary useful in your search for teak wood

outdoor furniture.


Look for FSC designation when considering

your teak wood outdoor furniture purchase. If you

do not see it displayed, ask questions. Is the teak

plantation grown? What efforts has the company

made to ensure your comfort level in purchasing?

Chances are the best quality furniture is coming

from the companies with the most socially

responsible practices. As a consumer, be selective,

ask questions, and help preserve this king of the

forest for future generations.


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