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.

The Story of the Club Chair

Today, many indoor pieces of furniture have been adapted to be outdoor furniture items. A prime example of this is the teak club chair.
The club chair was first created in the 1850s and were used only in gentlemen’s clubs, especially in the United Kindgom. They were designed to have a low back and larger seating area, due to the fact that wealthier men tended to be larger than men who worked more menial jobs. These clubs chose this style of chair because it was considered to mix elements of both masculinity and comfort. The chairs gained popularity throughout the 20th century, and are still highly-coveted indoor chairs today.
An outdoor teak club chair takes these design elements of the indoor club chair, and slightly modifies them so that they can be used outside. Teak wood is the perfect choice for outdoor use, and instead of being upholstered with leather or other similar materials, the outdoor chair upholstery is weather-resistant.
If you want a unique item of furniture for your backyard, I would recommend investing in a teak club chair. These chairs are especially luxurious because they adapt an indoor style and make it available for outdoor use.

How Strong are Teak Chairs?

I personally believe that teak is one of the most beautiful woods available. I love teak wooden furniture, but there are definitely more benefits to purchasing teak furniture than it just looking good.
Not only are teak chairs are incredibly aesthetically appealing, they are also quite durable. In fact, teak furniture can last for more than a century. This longevity is due mainly to the fact that teak furniture resists weathering very well and also holds up great against rot and pests. Furniture made from teak does not easily split or warp due to elemental exposure, as other woods are known to do. In fact, teak can even endure sea water!
Teak’s durability is mostly due to the natural oils it produces to withstand the elements. Because of these oils, teak is incredibly resistant to weathering over the years. Also, the resins this wood produces naturally actually repels termites and other similar insects which feed on wood. These resins also help the wood to resist moisture. These resistances prolong the life of teak furniture, and teak chairs can actually be used for years and years without any sort of finish.
Teak chairs are a smart and gorgeous investment and the perfect addition to any backyard.

Why Do I Need a Teak Wood Box?

We all know how easy it is for clutter to accumulate around your house and in your backyard. The more stuff you buy, the more it just seems to pile up. However, if you invest in teak wooden storage boxes, you will find that this clutter is a lot easier to organize than you might have thought. Here are a few ideas for what you can use your teak wood box to store:
• Pool toys and cleaning supplies
• Goggles, earplugs, nose plugs, water wings, etc.
• Extra towels for your swimming pool
• Furniture cushions and pillows
• Outdoor toys and sports supplies (balls, games, squirt guns, roller blades, etc.)
• Bicycle or ball air pumps
• Sports safety supplies (helmets, pads, etc.)
• Gardening supplies and tools (trowels, gloves, packets of seeds, pots, etc.)

These are only a few of the different kinds of things that you can store in your teak outdoor storage boxes. If it’s in your backyard, it can probably be stored in one of these boxes. You can also use the closed box as extra seating. Plus, not only are these boxes functional , but they are also incredibly attractive and will add the aesthetic appeal of your backyard.

Ordering Teak Online

Some people are hesitant to buy teak furniture online for several different reasons. Some people are afraid that the furniture will look different in their backyard than it does in the picture. It is also more difficult to gauge the size of the furniture when you are looking at a photograph than an actual piece of furniture in the store.
However, all furniture that is sold on the internet should include all the measurements that you need to figure out if it will fit in the space you have. One way to make sure you get the size you want is to measure the area you want your new piece of furniture to go and determine what size you want it to be before you even start shopping. That way you will shop for furniture that fits your space instead of trying to fit your furniture into your space.
Another thing that deters people from shopping online is a fear of shipping charges adding to the price of your furniture. However, most online companies will offer free shipping when you spend a certain amount. This makes online shopping both convenient and cost-effective.
Hopefully I have been able to relieve some of your fears about online teak furniture shopping!

Teak Serving Trays Makes Outdoor Dining a Breeze

I love spending time outdoors, enjoying the weather and the natural beauty of my backyard. However, I am often prevented from enjoying my meals outdoors because I don’t have room to put a picnic table in my small little city backyard. Today I decided to do some investigating to try to solve my problem, and stumbled across this wonderful teak serving tray.
Teak serving trays are very versatile. If you want to set one in your lap to eat, the legs will fold up so that it well rest easily on top of your legs. This mode is perfect to use when you feel like lounging around and laying back and enjoying a snack or light meal.
However, if you have messier foods or a larger meal, you may want to consider putting the legs down and using the serving tray as a table. It can still go over your lap, but instead of being supported by you, it will be supported by the legs. This is a much more stable way to eat foods such as soup that are easily spilled, or if you would rather eat sitting up straight.
I wish I had known about this sooner; but at least now that I’ve found the teak serving tray, I’ll never have to miss another outside meal again!

Why Teak? (Part Two)

Teak is a popular material for outdoor furniture. In my previous post, I began discussing the advantages Teak offers. I will finish my list in this post.
Advantage #4 – Waterproof
In my last post, I told you that Teak was originally a shipbuilding material. After these boats were decommissioned, the teak was still salvageable, because teak does not rot or rust, even when joined with metal. This is one of the reasons that teak is such a great material for making garden furniture. If teak could survive long trips on the harsh ocean, image how well it will stand up in your garden—without rusting or rotting! This waterproofing advantage is one reason that teak garden furniture is an exceptional choice for your outdoor furniture.
Advantage #5 – Stylish
The final advantage to teak is how attractive and fashionable it is. To keep teak’s original color, all you have to do is use teak oil annually. Or, if you prefer, allow the color to change naturally over time. With so many finish choices, there is sure to be at least one type and fashion to suit your tastes and desires
If you’re in the market for new garden furniture, I recommend that you check out Teak. There are obviously many advantages to Teak, and you will not be disappointed.

Why Teak? (Part One)

A Teak garden furniture set is a beautiful addition to your backyard. However, what are the advantages to Teak over other wood furniture? I did some research, and this is what I found out.

Advantage #1 – Long-lasting
Like me, most people can’t afford to purchase new garden furniture each year. Therefore it’s important to buy furniture that is built to last. One distinct advantage of Teak garden furniture over garden furniture made from other materials is that it is extremely long-lasting. Teak garden furniture is extremely cost-effective, because it is so strong that it can stand the test of time.
Advantage #2 – Durable and Strong
Another advantage is that teak is a quite strong and durable. This beautiful hardwood from India, Thailand or Malaysia was first used in the Middle Ages as a shipbuilding material. It had to be strong to endure the long voyages at sea, and that same power will keep your Teak furniture standing strong for years and years.
Advantage #3 – Low Maintenance
Some garden furniture can be extremely high maintenance. A lot of materials attract a lot of dirt and grime. Luckily, Teak wood is not one of those high maintenance woods. It does not require much upkeep, making teak garden furniture a great buy. If you are looking for a low maintenance material for your garden furniture, teak wood is the way to go.

All About Teak

I’ve always been a fan of Teak furniture. It is beautiful, and furniture such as Teak garden seats creates a peaceful ambiance in your backyard. But it wasn’t until today that I decided to investigate the origin of Teak wood.
Teaks scientific name is Tectona. It is a genus of tropical hardwood trees in the mint family. These trees are found in the monsoon forests in south and southeast Asia. There are three basic species of Teak. Common Teak is the most widespread type of teak and is found throughout India and Indo-China. Dahat Teak is found only in Burma, and is an endangered species. Philippine Teak grows only in the Philippines and is endangered as well.
In India, Teak is used extensively in India in order to make doors and window frames, columns and beams in older houses, as well as furniture. This wood is so popular because it is easy to work and has natural oils which make it great for outdoor furniture. These oils make it termite and other insect proof, and it does not require chemical treatment or finishing.
Teak trees make beautiful pieces of outdoor furniture. Now that I know all about Teak wood, I feel like I can appreciate the furniture on a much deeper level.

Tips for Growing on Your Teak Trellis

Few things can make your garden more beautiful than an exquisite teak trellis. When well-cared for flowers adore a trellis, it creates a serene and breath-taking atmosphere in your backyard. Here are a few tips for growing the perfect trellis full of flowers.
• Start by growing your plants in a smaller 4 inch pot, then once a good root system is in place; it’s time to transfer to the trellis pot.
• Depending on the size of your trellis, you can use anyway from a 6 inch to a 12 inch pot. A 6 inch pot needs an 18 inch trellis, and a 12 inch pot requires a 24 inch trellis.
• Use one plant in a 6 inch pot and three plants in the 12 inch pot.
• Go ahead and reuse the same soil from your initial potting, but be sure to add slow-release furniture for maximum growth.
• Be sure to train the shoots of your plant around the trellis as much as you possibly can. Teach the plant to grow up your trellis to create the perfect canopy.
A well-maintained trellis can increase the beauty of your backyard exponentially. If you take the time to care for your flowers and follow the above tips, a stunning garden teak trellis is just a few weeks away.

The Beautiful and Functional Teak Storage Box

The furniture I most desire is that which combines beauty and function, pieces like a teak storage box. I have recently found a greater need for free-standing storage solutions. As I have researched several options, I have discovered some really helpful features that you can find in a teak storage box.

Of course, most obvious is the aesthetic appeal of natural teak wood. It’s solid, durable, and richly colored. But there are other features I’ve seen that would make a teak storage box a good solution to an organizing dilemma.

I’ve noticed that some models of the teak storage box don’t use solid planks for their sides. Instead, they employ a series of slats that allow ventilation. Some of us might tend to think of air as the enemy to well-preserved items. We seal food in airtight containers and zip up our wedding dresses in special bags to keep them from yellowing. But ventilation is what keeps items from smelling musty or succumbing to mildew. A teak storage box that allows for ventilation seems like a good idea to me.

I have even discovered some models with silicone seals around the lids to keep water from soaking through. Once again, this seems like a helpful feature for a teak storage box, especially if you plan to use it outside.

Finally, I think a warranty that covers a teak storage box for several years is worth the investment. Some warranties cover 10 years or more. That sets my mind at ease when I’m considering a new purchase.

Features to Look for in a Teak Lounger

The teak lounger makes a great addition to your outdoor furniture collection. The popularity of teak as a material for patio furniture has risen. But not every teak lounger is created equal.

I have seen some really handy features as I have looked at one teak lounger after the next. I like these features. As you shop for a teak lounger, you may want to keep your eye out for some of these features.

Wheels. Solid teak can be heavy. A set of wheels on a teak lounger makes moving the chair much easier.

Adjustable back. We naturally move and change positions every few minutes to protect our bodies from injury and stay comfortable. It’s nice to have a chair with an adjustable back; everything from sitting to lying down is equally easy.

Adjustable seat. I have seen this feature less frequently, but it allows an even greater variety of positions. The middle portion lies flat or elevates to support bent knees.

Arms. This is a take-it-or-leave-it feature. Sometimes I like arms; sometimes they get in the way. I think the ideal teak lounger would have arms that were quick and easy to detach and reattach, but I haven’t seen that model yet.

Cushions. I consider cushions necessary for a teak lounger. Some loungers will include the cushion; some will offer a cushion separately that fits the chair. Either option will work, as long as there is a cushion that fits the teak lounger.

British Colonization and Teak Patio Sets

Teak patio sets aren’t so uncommon these days. For many years, though, teak wood’s more important use lay in large construction projects and ship building. The British receive the credit for bringing teak wood, and thus teak patio sets, into the Western eye.

During the age of British imperialism, England exerted control over a number of colonies. Among these was India. The British picked up on certain elements of the foreign culture that they liked and brought these things home with them. Teak wood was one of these things they brought home.

So from the nineteenth century, teak patio sets began to gain popularity. Harvesting the wood wasn’t easy. Solid teak wood is heavy. The logs would not float on waterways for transportation as other types of wood did. Instead, elephants were trained to pull the teak logs out of the Asian jungles.

Today, although teak is native to Asia and still grows there, it is also grown in South America and other places with similar climates. Teak patio sets have grown popular. For those who actually own teak patio sets, it may be easy to see why the British fell in love with this wood.

Nautical History Facts about Teak Wood

Since the Middle Ages, ship builders have used teak wood in their work. It is a flexible hardwood that resists splintering and cracking. Natural oils guard teak wood against rot in moist environments. Additionally, it may help keep metal from rusting. For all these reasons, teak wood has been a desired ship-building material for many years.

Teak wood has also been used widely for decking material on boats and ships, big and small. The above reasons, of course, explain why teak would make a good choice. Also, teak wood remains remarkably non-skid when it gets wet; this phenomenon is due to its silica content. As a result, it makes an excellent choice for decking material.

Old ship decks made from teak wood, some over 100 years old, have now been recycled. The salvaged wood has been used to build park benches throughout Europe. Clearly, teak wood has proved that it can endure harsh elements and last many years. If it can endure years of use on ships and still be used for other products, you can trust that a patio set of teak wood can last through your years of use, too.

Teak Patio Sets and the History of Teak

Teak patio sets have become a common choice for those looking to bring home a durable and long-lasting furniture set. This is because teak’s long history has proven it to be an excellent building material.

Even back in the seventh century, Asian civilizations were using teak for construction projects. The wood was used in India, Malaysia, Siam, and Thailand, even for such high-profile projects as temples and palaces.

Teak has also been used for building ships. In fact, it has been used in this way from the Middle Ages and into the present day.

Teak patio sets began to emerge from the British colonization of India. They brought this wood home.

Today, we see many teak patio sets because the same qualities that make the wood useful for construction and ship building make it useful for patio sets. Teak is a hardwood that resists cracking and warping. Natural oils guard against termites and inclement weather. Teak patio sets, then, tend to outlast some of the other options out there. Not only can they outlast other options, but they can do so gracefully. They can maintain a smooth surface and an attractive appearance when other woods have become splintered and warped.

Things You Need in Teak Deep Seating Cushions

What would teak deep seating be without cushions? Not nearly so inviting. The first time you really start shopping for outdoor cushions, you might be shocked. A huge variety of colors, patterns, styles, thicknesses, and materials greets you. Most will share certain common characteristics, but you should always make sure, as some lower-quality versions may try to get by with—well, lower quality.

Teak deep seating cushions should be waterproof or, at least, water-resistant. Cushions that are water-resistant can still get soaked in a downpour, but a few drops will whisk right off the surface.

You won’t find indestructible cushions for teak deep seating. But you can look for products that resist fading, stains, and mildew. High-quality cushions should be able to cover all these bases. Additionally, durable fabrics will resist rips. This doesn’t mean you couldn’t stab a hole if you wanted to; it does mean that a slight tug isn’t going to rip the seam or extended use won’t wear a hole through thin fabric.

Finally, there’s no point buying cushions for your teak deep seating set if they’re aren’t comfortable! You’ll find cushions in various thicknesses, some even as much as 8 inches thick. Consider the amount of padding as well as the material to find the more comfortable variations. Teak deep seating comes in various forms, such as chaise loungers, sofas, love seats, gliders, and more. So do cushions. Choose a matching set or different but coordinating pieces for all your deep seating pieces.

Teak Deep Seating for Humid Climates

Moisture has always presented a problem for outdoor furniture, but teak deep seating overcomes this problem. The recent trends toward deep seating in indoor furniture have made it to the outdoors, as well. Deep seating offers spacious room, both wide and deep. Plush cushions add a touch of luxury, as well.

Improvements in metal furniture construction make it a good option for outdoor use. Tubular aluminum lightens the weight. Powder coatings enhance the appearance and protect from the elements. But metal can sometimes rust in humid climates and coastal settings.

Resin deep seating avoids this problem. Made from recycled plastics, resin comes in a variety of colors and styles. It cleans easily, and water doesn’t damage it. It tends to stand up to sunlight and other elements very well. But some people just enjoy the more natural look.

This is where teak deep seating comes in. Teak works so well in the outdoors and moisture-filled climates that it has been used for decades in building ships of all classes. Natural oils in the wood protect against cracking, warping, and splintering. Furthermore, these same oils repel wood-damaging insects. All in all, teak deep seating makes an excellent choice for those concerned about moisture.