by Julie Christensen
When it comes to outdoor garden furniture, teak has long been the premier choice. Teak wood is high in rubber and oil, making it naturally resistant to mold, mildew and insects. This durable wood can be used outdoors year-round and develops a soft silver patina over time. If you prefer the look of new wood, treat it annually with a teak preserver.
Teak is a versatile material – adaptable to rustic, modern or country designs. It comes in a variety of price points, but for furniture that lasts a lifetime, look for high-quality furniture featuring solid teak construction, stainless steel hardware and mortise and tenon joinery. Whether you’re looking for a classic Adirondack set or the ultimate in modern luxury, we’ve handpicked a few teak sets that will give you years of outdoor living pleasure.
Teak Lounge Sets
We love Fiori lounge seating by Country Casual for its elegant design and long-lasting quality. This set has a unique geometric design with a decidedly modern, Asian feel, featuring demilune forms and concentric patterns. The furniture is generously sized for comfort and features high-quality outdoor fabrics in a selection of over 40 patterns and solids, including quick-dry fabrics for pool-side use. The cushions are available with piped or single seam trim. The set includes two lounge chairs with ottomans, two end tables, a coffee table and a couch. Prices range from $39 for pillows to $2,185 for the couch.
Country Casual has been making teak furniture for over 35 years and is a leader in the industry. Their furniture can be ordered online or by catalog only. The company offers exceptional customer service and uses only solid, Grade A, natural teak sourced from certified renewable forests. The Fiori set comes with a three-year warranty.
Another favorite set is the Chelsea Deep Seating collection by Kingsley-Bates. This collection features simple, elegant lines for a look of classic sophistication. The set includes a sofa, setee, coffee table and lounge chairs with ottomans. Each piece is oversized for lounging comfort. Kingsley-Bates offers a selection of over 100 Sunbrella fabrics to choose from – all designed to be fade and mildew-resistant. The set retails for $4,495, and includes a generous five-year warranty.
Kingsley-Bates is known for its value. Few other manufacturers offer this level of quality and craftsmanship for the price. In addition to residential applications, Kingsley-Bates offers furniture to hotels, resorts, restaurants and country clubs throughout the world. Find Kingsley-Bates furniture at fine furniture stores and sporting goods stores throughout the country.
Teak Outdoor Dining Tables
For casual, affordable outdoor dining, we love the Hampstead Collection by Pottery Barn. The standard set features a rectangular table with a simple, rustic design and six cushioned captain’s chairs. The exposed hardware is finished in antique brass. The table comfortably seats six, but extends to seat 10. The butterfly extensions store neatly under the table top. The chairs are stackable for easy storage, although the set is durable enough to leave out year-round. The table retails at $1,299 and six chairs run an additional $1,700. Store plates and serve food from the attractive buffet table, available for $1,299. Pottery Barn stores are found nationwide and the furniture comes with a 30-day return guarantee.
The Chelmsford Dining Table from Country Casual is the ideal teak table for a quiet nook or patio. This round table features a classic concentric teak design. Its pedestal undercarriage eliminates the need for an apron, allowing ample clearance for armchairs. The table comes in three sizes – 43, 51 and 59 inches to comfortably seat four to eight people and it has a hole for an umbrella. What we like most about this table, though, is the wide range of chairs designed to go with it.
Country Casual offers over 15 options for dining room chairs, from simple folding chairs to ornate Chippendale chairs and sleek, curved benches. The table costs from $795 to $1,190, depending on size. Chairs are an additional cost. All furniture comes with a three-year warranty. Buy the Chelmsford Dining table and chairs directly from Country Casual.
Teak Patio Furniture
For comfort, beauty and durability, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better lounge chaise than the Halifax Deep-Seating Chaise by Gloster. This chair features heavy, solid teak construction with elegant, carved armrests. The chaise offers five reclining positions and deep cushions for comfort. The cushions are upholstered in durable, water and sun-resistant fabric. Choose from five solid colors. The Halifax Deep-Seating Chaise retails for $2,800.
Gloster first began making teak furniture in Africa over 50 years ago. The company, which started as a small local business, quickly earned a reputation for high-quality craftsmanship and unique designs. After Gloster moved its operations to Asia to take advantage of renewable teak plantations found there, the company became one of the top global producers of high-end teak furniture. Gloster furniture is available through fine furniture and sporting goods stores throughout the country. Warranties vary, depending on the retailer.
When it comes to a simple pool or lake-side lounger, we love the Teak Adirondack, by Westminster. This chair is streamlined for an elegant take on the classic design. It also offers lumbar support for maximum comfort. We especially love this chair’s flexibility. It comes as a chair and ottoman so you can use it both as a pool chair and a chaise lounge. The chair doesn’t come with cushions, although you can customize the set through Westminster. It retails for $1,040.
Westminster started as an online furniture store and has recently partnered with several brick-and-mortar retailers nationwide. The company specializes in high-end teak furniture and their steamer chair was rated “Best Overall” by the Wall Street Journal. Westminster offers a life-time guarantee on all teak furniture, as well as a money-back guarantee that includes free shipping if you’re not satisfied with your purchase. Westminster uses only teak from certified renewable plantations.
Teak Garden Furniture Care
Teak furniture costs more than outdoor furniture made from other materials, but your initial investment pays off in years of use. Although teak furniture is naturally durable and made to withstand both blazing sun and winter snows, a little annual maintenance can extend the life of your teak furniture indefinitely.
Wash your teak furniture once or twice each season to remove dirt and grime. Scrub furniture with a soft bristled brush and some gentle detergent dissolved in warm water. Rinse thoroughly with a garden hose, but never use a power washer, which might damage the wood’s surface.
As teak ages, its color softens to a dull gray or silver. If you prefer the honey color of new teak, apply a sealer annually made especially for protecting teak furniture. Do not oil teak furniture, though, which promotes mildew and offers no benefits.
Teak furniture can be left outdoors year-round, but you can also store it in a dry, unheated garage or shed. Furniture coverings offer further protection, but make sure they are breathable — don’t use plastic or vinyl coverings, which promote mold growth.
Julie Christensen learned about gardening on her grandfather’s farm and mother’s vegetable garden in southern Idaho. Today, she lives and gardens on the high plains of Colorado. When she’s not digging in the dirt, Julie writes about food, education, parenting and gardening.
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