Teak Furniture Will Be Everywhere Come Summer So Start Shopping

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Outdoor furniture often gets a bad reputation for not holding up—think lawn chairs that end up in the neighbor’s yard after any gust of wind or wooden tables that give you splinters. However, the best outdoor pieces should leave the bad behind and instead offer consumers furniture that’s not only durable and weather-resistant, but also stylish and timeless. And many times, these pieces are made from teak wood. This material is the top choice for many people when it comes to shopping for items that can withstand nature's elements. Hence, there's no better time to buy teak outdoor furniture than right now as you think about refreshing your backyard or patio space ahead of summer.

To begin, know that the best teak furniture should be made from FSC-certified materials, which simply means the raw material came from responsibly managed forests. “Solid FSC-certified teak is the gold standard in natural materials for outdoor furniture,” Stephen Bowen, the senior furniture designer at Burrow, explains. “Not only is it durable and sustainably sourced, but the warm finish and feel adds a touch of luxury to any backyard or patio. No other woods have the natural oils and dense structure that teak has to repel pests, resist water, and withstand UV light over the years.”

Ahead, we scoured the market for the best teak outdoor furniture to purchase this year. Additionally, we consulted experts on why teak is so great for the outdoors, and how to care for your teak furniture for years to come—even though this material holds up well, it'll still need some TLC from time to time.

Dunes Teak Dining Set

Burrow’s Dunes dining set is the perfect introductory to teak furniture. It features marine-grade hardware that won’t degrade or rust (no matter the climate) and sustainably-sourced, FSC teak. We love that the chic design includes an umbrella mount for those sunny July days, and you can buy a custom-fit cover to protect your pieces through the off-season. Plus, the brand's one-year manufacturer's warranty will cover any breakage or damage within the first year, with additional three or five year options as well.

Lauren's Stripe Premium Beach Umbrella

This umbrella will provide you with ample shade and it comes with a carrying bag for extra portability. Over 300 customer reviews tout it as the best accessory for hot summer days. "I love these umbrellas they always become a statement piece because our clients love them so much," one reviewer wrote. "I have purchased in several colors and each one has been well made, delivered quickly, and the color is true to what is displayed on the site." The brand recommends a 35 pound base for this model.

Della Occasional Chair & Stool Set

This garden set features a chair and stool with patterned cotton seats atop a smooth teak wood base. The woven finish offers a unique look compared to most solid outdoor furniture, yet is still durable enough to withstand the elements. The weave is made from a cotton cording that won't fray or easily come undone. Plus, you won't have to worry about splinters or split fibers snagging or catching. We especially love that the stool can be multi-use as either a side table or a foot rest.

Hamilton Teak Picnic Bench

Using a thick piece of teak, the Hamilton is meticulously carved into its dramatic curves giving it its functionality in indoor and outdoor design. Whether used as a stand alone piece or as part of a dining set, this bench is comfortable and durable. We love that the slats offer a modern look that also allows water to pass through on those rainy days.

Bolster Back Outdoor Chair

The best outdoor spaces look like they could be picked up and placed inside without skipping a beat, and this chair is the same way. The bolster-back cushion offers a luxurious look that you wouldn’t believe was UV-resistant and water-repellant if it wasn’t explicitly labeled. The FSC-certified teak base is kiln-dried for added durability. We also love that the seat features a webbed seat spring, which won't sag or dip over time with heavy use.

LED Outdoor Floor Lamp

Not often seen in lighting, teak takes on a new life with this outdoor floor lamp. The tapered base features a circular shelf that can be used to hold anything from a cocktail to a book to a speaker. Plus, the piece is solar powered, so you can have light without any unsightly cords, as far from the home as you’d like. It also can turn on automatically when the sun goes down or you can utilize the motion-sensor capabilities if you're roaming around after dark.

Fire Table Manhattan 50

Warm up those chilly spring nights with a state-of-the-art fireplace table. The teak surface is sure to withstand any summer storm and perfectly patina over time. You can choose between a natural gas fuel source or a liquid propane tank for outdoor use. We love that the table features tempered glass barriers around the flame to keep your little ones safe. And while we always recommend a furniture cover, the wood is wet-safe meaning it can withstand the rain—just let the system fully dry out before its next use.

Crosby Teak Chaise

The Serena & Lily Crosby chaise is designed for you to perfectly lounge in the sun. An easily accessed handle allows for an adjustable back rest while oversized wheels can easily take the chaise wherever the sun rays hit throughout the day. Beneath the frame is a sneaky pull out tray that is designed to act as a side table for all of your sunning essentials without the need for additional furniture pieces. We especially love that the chaise cushion fabric has Sunbrella performance, which ensures this piece lasts for seasons on end.

Bal Harbour Outdoor Teak Four Piece Sectional

Not only is this sectional chic and durable, but it’s also our pick for best teak outdoor sofa thanks to its 10-year care warranty and stellar reviews. Even Sacha Strebe, the editorial director of EyeSwoon, agrees that this sofa is worth it. “Its Teak has a beautiful golden warmth with a smooth grain and texture that stands out while also blending in," she says. “But aside from the natural beauty, Teak is resistant to fungal decay, rotting, and warping. I just love it when form and function coincide! This piece will get better with age, just as every good quality piece of furniture you buy should."

Vaughn Teak Adirondack Chair

For a backyard that feels more like the summer camps of your childhood, opt for a pair of teak Adirondack chairs. We love these from Rejuvenation for their solid wood construction and splinter-free frame. The simplified design fits within any decor style, and at a sturdy 52 pounds, you won’t have to worry about these chairs going anywhere when the wind blows. It's important to note that the chair does not arrive ready-made, so simple assembly is required. Luckily no power tools or novel-length instruction booklets are required.

How to Choose Teak Outdoor Furniture

The primary thing to look for when shopping for teak is that it’s FSC-certified, of a high grade, and that it doesn't require a ton of maintenance. We break down several of the qualifiers below.

Quality of teak: Teak is available in a variety of grades, A being the best and highest quality with B, C, and D following in descending quality. The grade is determined by where on the tree the wood was cut from. The grade is determined by what part of the teak tree the wood comes from. Grade A teak, for instance, which comes from heartwood, has a honey-like complexion, and is the strongest of the grades. The lesser grades typically come from the outer core of a tree and can usually be differentiated by their color—if you're unsure remember that lesser grades present reddish and dark brown hues.

Maintenance and care: Teak has a common reputation of being high-maintenance, but that depends on how much patina you want the wood to develop. Many people oil the teak with a conditioner to keep the warm tones longer. However, if you're okay with the wood losing its initial warmth in favor of a lived in, cooler tone, the wood's natural oils will care for it just as well (if not better) than any conditioner.

To prevent any unseemly marks or stains, remove the debris as soon as possible, and wipe down with warm water and a mild soap. In the off season, Tony Peng, the managing director of teak furniture company Oasiq, recommends that you cover teak with a furniture covering to protect it from the elements.

Environmental impact: An FSC-certification means that the teak wood, and its manufacturers, meet the highest standards in both quality and sustainability. The certification encompasses everything from fair worker’s wages to harvesting only from teak plantations in order to not endanger or over consume from the natural teak forests.

How to Properly Clean and Care for Teak Furniture

There’s a common misconception that teak furniture is high maintenance or requires seasonal upkeep, but for Peng, it’s exactly that, a misconception. “Over time, the oils in teak will rise to the surface creating a coating that moisturizes and protects the wood from water,” he explains. “It’s when soil, debris, food, or drink spills land on your teak that you need to worry about it leaving a mark.” Like with any furniture piece, wood can also stain.

To prevent any unseemly marks, remove the debris as soon as possible, and wipe down with warm water and a mild soap. In the off season, Peng recommends that you cover teak with a furniture covering. Remember: teak will naturally patina over time, getting slightly cooler-toned and losing its initial warmth. This is part of its charm, though you can always oil it with a conditioner to keep the warm tones longer.

Why Trust House Beautiful?

With over five years in the shelter industry creating content for brands like Domino, Real Simple, and Architectural Digest’s Clever, Kate McGregor has identified top products and brands in the industry as House Beautiful’s SEO Editor. She has delved deep into the different grades, sources, and certifications of teak ensuring that these picks meet every standard out there in terms of both style and durability.

For this story, McGregor spent hours combing through reviews, material make-ups, and tapped two teak experts for their expertise on the best teak outdoor furniture, including what qualities to look for when buying them, and how to care for the material for years to come. The experts: Stephen Bowen, senior furniture designer at Burrow, has spent nearly a decade honing his skills of making high-quality furniture that doesn’t sacrifice on style or comfort. He knows what it takes for a material to stand up to a lifetime of wear and tear and what forms will be the best, no matter your lifestyle. Tony Peng, the managing director of furniture company Oasiq, crafts the highest-quality teak furniture on the market for top luxury companies for over 12 years, ensuring their materials are sourced from only the best and most sustainably run plantations.

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