What to Consider When Buying a Teak Bench

For years, people have recognized the beauty, elegance, and practicality of teak benches. Teak is one of the most durable woods used in the outdoor furniture market today, and it also has an attractive look which stands the test of time. Teak wood can be literally maintenance free, fading to a gorgeous silver-gray color as it weathers if left untreated and unfinished. For these reasons and more, teak benches are incredibly popular in the world of outdoor furniture. So if you have decided on purchasing teak outdoor furniture, you are now faced with the daunting task of choosing what kind of teak bench you want to put in your backyard.
The wide array of teak benches available today make it virtually impossible to be unable to find a bench that works for you. Do you want your bench to be backless, or do you want the added support of a back? Would you like your bench to be boxy and rectangular, or would your prefer it to sport a more rounded look? Should you buy a bench that is padded, or do you favor the feel of an unpadded teak bench? How long do you want your bench to be? Do you want armrests? If you consider these questions before you go out shopping (or even as you are browsing your options), you will be sure to discover the perfect bench for you and your backyard.

The Different Shades of Teak

A teak chair can add elegance and charm to any backyard dining room set. When you first purchase teak outdoor furniture, it is a gorgeous, honey-brown color. If you wish to preserve this color, all you have to do is apply either a clear varnish or other sort of translucent finish. This finish will protect the wood from the damaging effects of the wind, rain, and other elements, and preserve its original, rich amber color.
However, teak is one of the few woods that do not necessarily require the protection of a finish. If you would rather, you can leak your teak wood furniture unfinished, and it will gradually become a regal-looking silvery-gray color. This silver-gray is still attractive, and although it creates a different feel than its original color does, many teak owners prefer the weathered gray shade. It all really just depends on what kind of look you are going for and what best matches the rest of your outdoor furniture. It is actually advantageous for you if you do like the weathered look of silver teak, since it requires literally no work to develop and maintain this color. All you have to do is sit back and let Mother Nature do all the work. And if you decide that you want your teak to go back to its original state, it can easily be restored.

Keeping Your Teak Furniture Beautiful

In my last post, I reminded you how important it is to keep your teak furniture clean, and suggested you used a teak cleaning solution to do so. However, cleaning is not the only part of maintaining your outdoor teak furniture. Today I want to recommend that you purchase a teak protector as well as a teak cleaning solution, in order to keep your furniture looking as attractive as possible.
As we are all well aware, newly-purchased teak furniture features a beautiful, honey-brown ginger color. However, exposure to the weather will cause the wood to fade, leaving it stripped of its original beauty. Also, if mildew and/or mold start growing on your furniture, it will create unattractive black spots on your wood, which also subtract from the visual appeal of your porch. Using a teak protecting solution will keep your wood from fading; prevent mold and mildew from growing; and stop black spots from appearing on your furniture. However, if your teak wood is already suffering from these problems, don’t worry! Teak cleaner can restore your furniture to its original glory, and teak protector can keep it that way. If you take proper care of your teak, you can keep it looking like new for years to come.

Keeping Your Teak Furniture Looking New

I absolutely adore the look of teak; and if you’re on this website, I’m assuming you agree. One of my favorite things about teak is the gorgeous, honey-brown color that it naturally boasts. It’s so luminous, and adds a whole new level of sophistication to your yard.

Unfortunately, teak as teak weathers, it fades to a, although austere, silvery gray color. Many people enjoy the look of this gray, finding it regal and stately. However, if you are anything like me, you prefer the original ginger brown of new teak.

Luckily, your teak furniture does not have to show these signs of weathering. Many companies manufacture a product called teak cleaner, which is designed especially for the care of teak furniture. If you are in the process of buying new teak furniture or you recently have, it is absolutely essential that you start caring for it immediately with a teak cleaning solution if you want to maintain that new-teak honey brown.

If you’ve had your teak furniture for awhile and you are starting to see signs of weathering and graying, don’t fret. Not only will a teak cleaner maintain the color of new teak, but it can also restore the color of old teak. If you love your teak and want to keep it looking as good as new, make sure you invest in some teak cleaner.

Try Mixing Teak With Wicker!

Teak is one of the most beloved and highest quality woods available in the outdoor furniture world. The same, however, could probably be said about wicker. Wicker, although not as durable as teak wood, is one of the most common materials used to make patio furniture. In fact, it has been used for many years, and is still just as attractive. Many manufacturers have even updated wicker furniture to give it a much more sleek and modern look.
So, it is no surprise that some outdoor furniture designers have began to create fantastic teak and wicker furniture. This furniture features the durability of hardwood teak with the attractive delicacy of wicker. The two woods complement each other incredibly well, and their contrasts add to the piece of furniture as a whole.
Try mixing an item that is made of both teak and wicker with solely teak pieces and articles made completely of wicker. This mixing will create a rich, multi-dimensional, and sophisticated look for your patio, and will emphasize the individual beauty of each wood.

All About Teak Pricing

Teak is definitely one of the priciest woods on the market. However, this high cost is due to the fact that it is one of the most valuable, high-quality, and durable woods available. There are many different types of teak trees, all of which are in Asia. However, the quality and price of teak does not depend on the type of teak, but the age. The older a teak tree is, the more expensive the lumber from that tree will be. In fact, a tree must be at least twenty years old for it to be considered high quality wood. In order to know how old a tree is, all you have to do is count the rings in a cross-section of the trunk. Each ring corresponds to one year of the tree’s age.
Teak price goes up as the age of the teak tree increases as well. However, this furniture is well worth investing in. When you buy a piece of teak furniture, you should try to find out how old the teak wood is. The price should correspond to the age of the tree when it was cut down. Teak is an incredibly high-quality wood, and is worth every penny. Just make sure you are getting the good stuff and not over-paying!

Keeping Your Teak Color

Teak, being a tropical hardwood, has a gorgeous golden or honey brown color when it is brand new. As time goes on, natural teak gradually changes from a honey color to a silvery-gray color as it is exposed to the elements. However, this beautiful gray will deteriorate into a dark greenish-gray if you do not treat the wood.
To keep your teak wood looking its best, you need to sand your teak furniture regularly. This sanding will preserve the golden brown color of teak and keep your table teak nice and smooth. If you wish to extend the period of time between sandings, you may also choice to apply teak oil.
This oil should be applied about every three months, however, it is important to read the container instructions in case your specific teak oil has different requirements. Teak oil does not make your furniture last longer, it will just make sure the attractive golden brown color is not lost.
If you do not take the time to care your for you teak furniture, you will loose that honey golden brown color. However, the loss of color that results from not taking regular care of your teak does not equal a loss of durability.