Finding Quality Teak for Building Wooden Garden Furniture

The quality of the timber used to garden furniture sets is determined by much more than the type of tree it comes from, although of course that is very important. We choose to make teak garden furniture for some very good reasons. The natural oils contained in teak wood make it highly resistant to insect pests and rot caused by exposure to dampness or humidity. It’s outstandingly durable, hard and close grained for a lovely smooth finish. In fact, we think it’s the perfect wood for garden furniture sets.

However, there is a lot more to do when selecting timber for outdoor coffee tables and garden chairs than just choosing a type of tree. First, we opt to get out teak from sustainable plantations. None of our timber comes from the rainforest logging that is an unfortunate fact of the teak wood industry. By supporting the plantations, we’re helping put illegal and unethical rainforest loggers out of business permanently.

The Indonesian plantations that supply the teak used in our wooden garden furniture also provide a much needed and steady industry in Java, including good jobs for local people. They are government owned and run, so we know that certain standards are adhered to.  The teak shouldn’t be harvested too young- it is a slow growing wood and these plantations are long term investments- and of course we also care about the safety of plantation staff. Rainforest logging is a dangerous business for people as well as damaging to the environment.

When the trees destined to become Chic Teak garden furniture have been cut and the timber harvested at the right time and in the right way, it needs to be dried and properly aged. We monitor the process carefully to make sure of the best quality finished products.