The hazards in buying teak garden furniture

There are some unscrupulous companies out there who won’t mind selling you fake teak garden furniture

Teak furniture is a beautiful addition to any garden, but when you think you’ve paid for quality how can you be sure that you are getting the real thing? There is a small number of companies who may not be completely honest with you as to the quality and authenticity of what they are trying to sell you.

By making sure you follow these key points you can ensure that your teak garden furniture will last a lifetime and maintain its functionality and beauty:

• Buy teak garden furniture from manufacturers who only use plantation grown Grade A teak, which is reforested and government-regulated. Teak is, and has been historically, very popular with garden furniture manufacturers and buyers alike. In fact, it is so sought after, that until recently it was under threat of extinction. Properly managed and government regulated plantations mean that only a limited number of trees each year are allowed to be felled and an equal amount of reforestation ensures there is no detrimental effect to the particular country's natural resources.

• Verify that the furniture is constructed of 100% Class 1 teak wood – this means it is resistant to weather, insects, warping and is extremely durable. Often, garden furniture may be constructed from inferior woods such as Keruin, Acacia, Chinese Oak and Meranti. These woods are not as durable; they are susceptible to wood worm and need to be protected regularly with exterior wood treatments if used outdoors.

• Make sure the teak garden furniture is completed using proper materials - factors that determine quality are timber, brass or stainless steel fittings, and carpentry skills; you can tell a well-built table or chair, for example, from the types of joints that are used and the way a gate-leg or folding table top hangs and opens.  Some retailers offer thinner, lighter weight components in their teak furniture at a reduced cost, but this type of construction does not provide the longevity and reliability of heavier duty constructions.

• Watch out for the presence of knots, often covered by heavy pre-treatment – this is indicative of inferior, young sapwood and will not be as durable as fully matured teak. A fine sanded finish will highlight the quality of the teak; any pre-oiling or treatment of the furniture simply conceals inferior quality.  

• Prior to construction, teak wood must be kiln dried – if it is dried precisely to an optimal moisture content of 8 - 10%, the furniture is dried to the core, which reduces or even eliminates cracking, splitting, and warping for decades.

If you are looking for the highest quality teak garden furniture from a well established, reputable company, then you should visit Patio-Furniture LLP. Call us now on 01726 817567.