Questions You May Have About Teak
What kind of wood is teak (Tectona grandis)?
Are all hardwoods as durable as teak?
Where does your teak come from?
How do I preserve teak’s original honey/brown color?
Do I need to store my furniture over the winter?
How is your furniture constructed?
Are there different grades of teak?
What kind of wood is teak (Tectona grandis)?
Known in some circles as the ‘Prince of Hardwoods’, or the ‘Rich Man’s Wood’, Teak is a close grained hardwood with high natural oil and rubber content. It is one of the hardest, strongest and most durable of all timbers, highly resistant to rotting and almost impervious to the effects of sun, rain, frost or snow. These characteristics combine to make it the ideal timber for all outdoor applications. It has been the number one choice of boat builders for centuries.
Are all hardwoods as durable as teak?
Many other hardwoods are used for outdoor furniture and, in fact, a lot are even marked as “teak substitutes”. This is a deception. There is no substitute for teak and no other hardwood will perform to the same high standard as teak furniture in outdoor conditions.
Where does your teak come from?
We use Javanese teak in the manufacture of our furniture. The first plantations on the island of Java were planted by the Dutch, who were the colonial power at the time, in the mid 1800′s, making them some of the oldest teak farms in the world. These plantations are now owned by the Indonesian government agency Perum Perhutani, who is responsible for the control of these teak farms. They allow the felling of only a limited number of trees each year and the reforestation of these farms.
How does teak weather?
When you receive your teak furniture it will be in its natural state which is a honey / brown color and can often appear to be polished. The polished appearance comes from oil occurring naturally in the wood. The oil on the surface will evaporate after a few days outdoors. It is the oil that remains below the surface that gives the wood its durability. Left to age naturally outside the furniture will turn a handsome silver gray color. This process will take approximately 9-12 months depending on the amount of ultraviolet light and the rain the teak is exposed to. Teak is a natural material and as such, fine cracks in the end grain of components may appear and then disappear with changes in atmospheric conditions. Such fine cracks are normal, especially in heavier components, like arms and legs, and will not affect the life or durability of your furniture.
Should I oil my teak?
Treating your furniture with oil will not extend the life of your furniture. It is purely cosmetic. In fact, we do not recommend oiling as it results in unnecessary maintenance.
How do I preserve teak’s original honey/brown color?
If you want to preserve the color of your teak furniture, a teak sealer is recommended. Teak sealers are usually solvent based with water like viscosity, ultraviolet light and moisture protection. A variety of shades are available if you want other than the natural color. Sealers are easy to apply and are generally applied every 6-12 months. If you choose to use a sealer we recommend you visit a marine store and purchase specialty teak products as used on boats.
How do I clean my furniture?
Teak requires very little maintenance apart from the occasional scrub with a mild solution of soapy water or a diluted mixture of Simple Green® and water to remove accumulated dirt. This is followed by a rinse with clean water. To remove grease spots, a light scrub with a degreasing agent is recommended. This is followed by a rinse with clean water. (This is why teak garden furniture is so perfect.)
If you want to remove the silver-gray patina and restore the furniture to its original color use a teak cleaner which can be purchased from a marine store.
Do I need to store my furniture over the winter?
No, teak furniture can be left outdoors uncovered all 12 months of the year, no matter where you live. If you choose to cover your teak furniture during winter, use a material that allows the wood to breathe.
Teak patio furniture can be left outdoors all year long. If you put your furniture away for the winter, do not store it in a heated room because this can dry out the wood and can cause cracks. The wood expands and contracts with changes in the weather – this is normal. Some of the joints are not glued, like the slats in the back of chairs. Some expanding and contracting of wood joints is also normal. From time to time you many need to tighten the fasteners. As the wood ages, small checks or cracks may appear on the surface, this is normal and doesn’t affect the durability of the furniture. These are not imperfections. Remember you are buying a natural product.
How is your furniture constructed?
Our furniture is crafted using timeless techniques including mortise and tenon joinery, epoxy glues and solid brass & stainless steel fittings. The furniture, when finished, is sanded with extra fine sandpaper to achieve a silky-smooth finish. Our quality control is exceptional and our craftsmanship is of the highest quality.
Do you kiln dry the teak?
Yes, we do. This enables us to craft accurately. It also ensures the stability of the finished furniture in a number of environments.
Are there different grades of teak?
Most definitely. We use only the highest quality solid teak in our furniture, often referred to as grade A, super grade A or triple A grade. Lesser manufacturers can use teak veneer. A number of manufactures use B or C grade teak which is teak with imperfections, often in the form of small holes. Fillers are used to cover these imperfections then an oil or stain is used to hide the filler or cover the black or white wood or “eyes” (knots) in these inferior products. Be aware whenever you see teak with oil or stain on it. With this grade of wood, cheap glue, steel screws, external screw heads and inferior construction methods are used.
What is your warranty?
Residential Warranty:
Design Warehouse warrants to the original purchaser that our teak garden furniture is free of defects in material or workmanship. In the unlikely case there is a defect we will repair or replace the furniture. This warranty does not cover furniture that has been modified, intentionally or accidentally damaged, misused, abused or neglected, or force majeure. We are not liable for weathering, checking on the end grain, or normal wear and tear due to usage. We are not liable for improper assembly if the furniture is purchased flat-packed. We will replace and/or repair parts at no cost to the customer at the customer’s location of purchase while under warranty.
Warranties are limited to one year for residential use by the original purchaser.
