Teak Outdoor Furniture is as Popular as Ever
Houses, cars, jewelry, and stocks, are among the biggest
, and most carefully-considered, investments that people make. Of course, there are many other items that must be weighed just as seriously before they are purchased. While appliances and electronics are leaders in this category, home furnishings are just as crucial; and this includes outdoor furniture.
While there was a time when things like patio chairs, picnic tables, and porch swings, seemed almost like afterthoughts, today, they are every bit as significant as indoor furniture. As millions of people turn their yards, porches, and gazebos, into outdoor living rooms, they want patio furniture that will last for decades. Although there are many new materials, colors, and styles available to accommodate these demands, it seems that people love wood just as much as ever.
Indeed, cedar, pine, cherry, and oak continue to ride high in popularity; but teak still reigns supreme. This comes as no surprise, because teak has been cherished for centuries, having been used for construction in ancient civilizations in India and Malaysia. In Siam and Thailand, it was the hardwood of choice for building many significant structures, including temples and palaces.
Teak is extraordinarily radiant, ranging in tones from amber, to reddish, to dark brown. It comes from the Tectona Grandis tree, which is indigenous to Asia, and grows in soil that is rich in oils and minerals, including silica. This creates straight-grained wood that is waxy, dense, rubbery, and thermally stable, therefore highly resistant to decay, insects, moisture, and warping. That's why it has been used for building ships since the Middle Ages, and is still a favorite in the industry today.
One of the things that makes it so great for use in patio furniture is that it requires very little maintenance. You can treat your teak porch chairs yearly with a coating of oil, if you wish to preserve the wood's natural color, or leave them to weather to a silvery gray; and doing the latter won't affect the wood's durability. In fact, in England, you can still find teak garden benches that were built from the wood of dismantled World War I British Navy ships. As strong as ever, they have weathered to a silvery hue that almost makes them look as if they are made of metal.
Even so, there are some things that you should do to protect your teak outdoor furniture; even though it has inherent defenses, the wood can suffer from mistreatment. For example, when cleaning it, use only mild soap; never use a power washer, as that could strip the wood of its innate oils. If you use a sealant, make it one that brings out the natural color of the wood, and provides UV protection.
If you're going to leave it outside, instead of storing it in the shed for the winter, use outdoor furniture covers that allow airflow, so that moisture can't build up and encourage mildew growth. Furthermore, even though you can coat it with teak or tung oil, you should use it sparingly, as a build-up of oil can cause mildew to form.
When treated properly, teak outdoor furniture can last a lifetime; and it may turn out to be one of the best investments that you'll ever make.
At TeakDesigns.com, you'll find an extensive selection of teak outdoor furniture that will enhance the beauty of any outdoor living space. Visit the site today, to browse the entire collection. To contact a design consultant or a customer service professional, call 888-293-2339, or e-mail contact@teakdesigns.
Teak Outdoor Furniture is as Popular as Ever
By: Hazel Jennings
Recommendations on Getting Solid Wood Doors Raising Turkeys At Home - How To Raise Turkeys How To Make Money At Home – 3 Steps To The First Sale How Much To Spend On Renovating Your Home So Buyers Bite? different kinds of carpet cleaners are available in the industry in lexigton Developing Your Outdoor Space With Outdoor Furniture Collections Arowana Care - How to Breed an Arowana in Your Home How to Lose Real Estate Clients Xoceco Lcd Tv At Home Has Become "like Goods" The Best Home Alarm System Shopping For a Living Room Furniture Set Tips And Trick For Flatter Abs How to Buy Furniture Online