The Complete Guide to Teak Garden Furniture | Teakunique

Teak has been used for outdoor furniture for generations, and for good reason. Naturally durable, rich in protective oils and beautifully weather-resistant, high-quality teak is particularly well suited to garden furniture that is expected to remain outdoors for many years.

But not all teak furniture is made to the same standard.

The quality of the timber, where it comes from, how it has been dried, the way the furniture is constructed and the quality of the joinery can all make a significant difference to its appearance, durability and longevity.

At Teakunique, we specialise in premium teak garden furniture, from dining tables and chairs to benches, loungers and bespoke pieces. We believe that choosing good-quality teak is about looking beyond the appearance of a new piece of furniture and understanding what is underneath it.

This guide explains what to look for when buying teak furniture and how to get the most from it for years to come.

What is teak?

Teak is a naturally durable hardwood that has long been valued for outdoor uses.

One of its most important characteristics is its natural oil content. These oils help teak resist moisture, weathering, pests and mildew, making it particularly well suited to outdoor furniture.

High-quality teak also has an attractive, naturally warm colour and distinctive grain. When left untreated outdoors, it gradually develops the familiar silvery-grey patina associated with aged teak.

Teakunique uses high-grade teak for its furniture, with timber sourced from certified Indonesian plantations, and our furniture is carefully kiln-dried and precisely constructed for long-term outdoor use.

Why is teak good for garden furniture?

A good garden furniture material needs to cope with considerably more than sunshine.

Outdoor furniture in the UK may experience rain, humidity, temperature changes, frost, strong sunlight and prolonged periods of damp weather.

Teak's natural properties make it particularly well suited to these conditions.

The advantages of high-quality teak garden furniture include:

• Natural resistance to weather, rot, pests and mildew
• A high natural oil content
• Excellent durability
• A beautiful grain and natural appearance
• The ability to weather naturally to a silvery-grey colour
• Relatively low maintenance requirements
• The potential for a very long service life when well made and properly cared for

However, these advantages depend on the quality of the teak and the way the furniture has been manufactured.

Is all teak furniture the same quality?

No.

One of the most important things to understand when buying teak furniture is that the word "teak" alone does not tell you everything about the quality of the timber.

Teak can vary considerably depending on the part of the tree from which it is taken, the maturity of the timber and the way it has been processed.

Grade A teak

Grade A teak is generally associated with the heartwood from mature trees. It has a relatively uniform appearance and contains a high concentration of the natural oils that give teak its durability.

At Teakunique, we mainly use Grade A heartwood teak (on occasion, B+) and select timber for its quality and suitability for furniture intended for outdoor use.

Lower grades of teak

Lower-grade teak may contain more outer wood and generally has different characteristics from mature heartwood.

When comparing furniture, it is therefore worth asking a retailer:

• Where does the teak come from?
• What grade or quality of teak is used?
• Is it heartwood?
• How has the timber been dried?
• How is the furniture constructed?

A lower price will generally mean lower grade teak, little or no kiln drying and poorer quality construction and finishing. 

Why does kiln-drying matter?

The moisture content of timber can have a significant effect on the stability of furniture.

Teak used for quality furniture is carefully dried before manufacture. Kiln-drying reduces the moisture content of the timber and helps prepare it for use in furniture.

This is one reason why two pieces of furniture that look very similar when new can perform very differently over time.

At Teakunique, our teak is carefully kiln-dried to a low moisture content as part of the manufacturing process.

How is good teak furniture constructed?

The timber is only part of the story.

A beautifully finished piece of teak can still disappoint if the construction and joinery are poor.

When comparing teak furniture, look closely at:

Joinery

Well-designed joints should be strong, accurately made and appropriate to the furniture.

At Teakunique, we use carefully engineered teak joinery where appropriate and high-quality hardware (brass and stainless steel, depending on the join) where teak joinery is not suitable.

Proportions

The thickness of the tabletop, legs, arms and other components can have a significant effect on both the appearance and strength of a piece.

For example, some Teakunique tables use substantial 4cm-deep tabletops, while some of our benches have particularly generous 7cm thick legs designed to enhance strength and visual presence.

Some designs may look the same on the surface at various retailers, but this is a key point of differentiation (and cost).

Hardware

Where hardware is required, it should be suitable for outdoor use and selected to complement the durability of the timber.  Brass hardware looks lovely and is resistant to corrosion, however is susceptible to wear.  Stainless steel is the gold standard when it comes to hardware in teak garden furniture and the higher grade, the better.

Design

Good outdoor furniture should be designed not only to look beautiful when new, but to perform well when exposed to the elements.

How long does teak garden furniture last?

One of the reasons people choose teak is its durability.

However, there is no single lifespan that applies to every piece of teak furniture.

Longevity depends on factors including:

• The quality of the timber
• The maturity and grade of the teak
• Construction quality
• Joinery
• Moisture content
• Exposure to weather
• How the furniture is used
• Maintenance and care

High-quality teak furniture that has been properly designed and manufactured can provide many years of outdoor use.

At Teakunique, most of our teak products carry a 10-year guarantee, giving customers additional confidence in the quality and construction of their furniture.

Find out more about our 10-year guarantee

Does teak furniture need to be treated?

One of the great advantages of good-quality teak is that it does not require artificial treatment simply to remain outdoors.

When left untreated, teak naturally changes colour.

Fresh teak typically has warm golden and honey tones. Exposure to sunlight and weather gradually changes the surface to the distinctive silvery-grey patina associated with mature outdoor teak.

This is a natural process and does not mean that the timber has deteriorated.

Teakunique's advice is to allow the furniture to weather naturally if you like the silver-grey appearance, while following appropriate cleaning and aftercare guidance to keep the furniture looking its best.

Should I oil my teak furniture?

No.

There is often a misconception that teak must be oiled to survive outdoors.

High-quality teak is naturally rich in oils and is capable of weathering outdoors without artificial treatments.

Adding oil or artificial treatments tends to deplete high quality teak of its natural oils.  Moreover, it can also attract dirt and grime and, once you start, you'll need to continue.

Teakunique's advice is to invest in high quality teak furniture, which requires no oils or artificial treatment, and let it grow old gracefully.  

What happens to teak furniture in British weather?

Teak is particularly well suited to outdoor use, but it is important to understand what happens as it weathers.

In the UK, outdoor teak furniture will naturally be exposed to rain, sunlight, damp conditions and changing temperatures.

Over time, the surface develops a silvery-grey patina. Natural grain movement can also occur (called checking), and small hairline cracks may appear as the timber responds to changes in moisture and temperature.

These natural changes are part of the character of solid timber and do not indicate a structural problem.

The quality of the original timber and construction remains important, which is why it is worth investing in well-made furniture in the first place.

Is teak environmentally friendly?

The environmental credentials of teak furniture depend heavily on where and how the timber has been sourced.

It is important to ask questions rather than assuming that all teak is either sustainable or unsustainable.

Look for information about:

• The origin of the timber
• Plantation management
• Certification
• The legal status of the timber
• The manufacturer's sourcing policies
• The wider environmental commitments of the company

When comparing teak furniture, we encourage customers to ask retailers where their teak comes from and what evidence they can provide about its source.

What should I look for when buying teak garden furniture?

If you are comparing different teak furniture companies, don't judge the furniture by photographs alone.

Ask these questions:

1. Where does the teak come from?

A reputable retailer should be able to explain the origin and sourcing of its timber.

2. What quality of teak is being used?

Ask whether the furniture is made from mature heartwood and what the manufacturer means by its stated teak grade.

3. How is the timber dried?

Ask whether the teak has been kiln-dried and how moisture content is managed.

4. How is the furniture constructed?

Look at the joinery, proportions, fixings and overall build quality.

5. Is the furniture designed for year-round outdoor use?

The answer should be based on the timber, construction and manufacturer's recommendations.

6. What happens as the teak weathers?

Good-quality teak naturally changes colour outdoors. Make sure you understand the maintenance and appearance you can expect.

7. What guarantee is provided?

A meaningful guarantee can provide useful reassurance about the manufacturer's confidence in its products.

The majority of Teakunique's products come with a 10 year guarantee.

8. What aftercare support is available?

Good furniture should be supported by clear advice about cleaning, weathering and maintenance.

See Teakunique's Aftercare Guide

What size teak dining table should I buy?

Choosing the right table is about more than simply counting seats.

Consider:

• How many people you normally seat
• How often you entertain
• The size and shape of your garden or terrace
• Space required to pull chairs out
• Walkways around the table
• Whether you want a parasol
• Whether an extending table would be useful

Teakunique offers tables in a range of shapes and sizes, including round, oval, square and rectangular designs, as well as extending tables and smaller folding options.

Our individual product pages provide dimensions and seating information to help you choose the right table for your space.

View Teak Dining Tables

Read our Teak Dining Table Buying Guide

Should I choose a round, oval or rectangular teak table?

There is no single best shape.

A rectangular table can make excellent use of a longer garden or terrace and is particularly useful for larger gatherings.

A round table can work beautifully in a more compact space and creates a naturally sociable arrangement.

An oval table can combine some of the advantages of both, providing generous seating while creating softer visual lines.

Your choice should ultimately reflect the available space, the number of people you want to seat and the way you use your garden.

What other teak garden furniture can I buy?

Teak is extremely versatile, which is why it works across so many types of outdoor furniture.

At Teakunique, our collection includes:

• Teak dining tables
• Teak dining sets
• Teak dining chairs
• Teak benches
• Teak coffee tables
• Teak side tables
• Teak loungers
• Teak reclining chairs
• Teak outdoor sofas
• Folding teak furniture
• Teak patio furniture
• Teak accessories
• Bespoke and made-to-order teak furniture

Explore our Full Collection

Explore our Chairs & Tables

Explore our Patio collection

Can I have teak furniture made to a specific size?

Absolutely.

Bespoke furniture is particularly useful when you have an unusual space, a specific seating requirement or a design that cannot be met by a standard product.

Teakunique offers made-to-order options and bespoke furniture, allowing us to work with customers on individual requirements.

If you have a particular idea, unusual dimensions or a design you would like to discuss, contact us to explore what may be possible.

Explore Bespoke and made-to-order Teak Furniture with Teakunique

Why choose Teakunique?

Teak furniture is an investment, so we believe you should understand exactly what you are buying.

At Teakunique, our approach is based on five principles:

High-quality teak

We select high-grade teak for furniture designed for long-term outdoor use.

Responsible sourcing

We source teak from certified plantations and take responsible forestry and sourcing seriously.

Thoughtful construction

We pay close attention to timber quality, proportions, drying, joinery and hardware.

Timeless design

Our collection ranges from classic teak designs to contemporary pieces, with furniture intended to look beautiful as it ages.

Personal service

We are a specialist teak furniture business and are happy to help customers choose furniture based on their space, requirements and style.

You can also visit our West Sussex showroom by appointment to see and compare our furniture in person.

Visit us

Teak Garden Furniture FAQs

Is teak the best wood for garden furniture?

Teak is one of the most naturally durable hardwoods used for outdoor furniture and is particularly well suited to outdoor conditions. However, the quality of the timber and construction are just as important as the species of wood.

Does teak garden furniture need to be covered?

No. High-quality teak is designed to withstand outdoor conditions. Whether you choose to cover your furniture depends on your preferred appearance, location and how you use the furniture.  If you do choose to cover your furniture, make sure you use a cover made from a breathable fabric, eg. Tyvec and raise your furniture off the ground if you can.  Mildew and mould thrive when there is limited airflow, which is why our preference is leaving uncovered, or move to a shed/ barn in the winter months if you have the space.

Does teak turn grey?

Yes. Untreated teak naturally develops a silvery-grey patina when exposed to sunlight and weather. This is a normal part of the ageing process.

Does grey teak mean the furniture is damaged?

No. The change from golden-brown to silver-grey is a natural surface-weathering process. Natural grain movement and small hairline cracks can also occur as solid timber responds to changing conditions.

Is teak furniture worth the money?

Quality teak furniture can have a higher initial price than some alternatives, but the timber's durability, natural weather resistance and long service life makes it a worthwhile long-term investment.

Our advice

If you are buying teak garden furniture, look beyond the colour and style.

Ask where the timber comes from. Ask about its quality. Ask how it has been dried. Look at the construction and joinery. Find out how the furniture will weather and what aftercare it requires.

Most importantly, buy from a company that is prepared to explain what goes into its furniture.

At Teakunique, we believe that good teak furniture should not simply look beautiful when it arrives. It should be designed, made and sourced with the expectation that you will enjoy it for many years.

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