About Teak
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Design That Works
Outdoor furniture made of teak is usually very classic and simple in design. The natural appearance of teak wood lends itself to uncomplicated designs that subtly blend in with the surrounding architecture and landscape. The stateliness of teak furniture works equally well on the terraces of traditional country inns or in the lobbies of the most contemporary hotels.
Over the past 10 years, as designers and architects have become more acquainted with the versatility and durability of teak outdoor furniture, the range of available styles has grown. Along with the classic designs, more streamlined, contemporary designs have reached the market. While it is always good to have a broad range of styles to choose from, it is important to avoid styles so modern that they appear to be interior furniture brought outdoors.
When choosing teak outdoor furniture, look for styles that will enhance, but not overpower, the landscape or setting for which it is chosen. Attention should be paid to the scale of the surroundings. For example, vast, estate-like buildings require benches and dining groupings quite substantial in dimension and weight. In contrast, smaller, more delicate architecture needs lighter-weight furniture.
Consider Comfort
Well-crafted teak pieces have no sharp edges or angles—armrests, seat slats, back rests and back slats should be chamfered and sanded to round out angles. Similarly, all edges and corners of tables should be rounded. And although many outdoor tables have traditionally been designed with pedestal-type bases, outdoor dining is meant to be informal and relaxing. Stretching out one's legs underneath a table with a pedestal base is impossible—look for a simple base that allows plenty of legroom.
The number of back slats on a backrest can make a big difference in comfort—the closer the spacing, the better. Also, the front edge of benches and chairs should have an extra horizontal seat slat that prevents the vertical front rail from cutting into the back of legs. This requires additional material and workmanship, and is an important aspect to consider when comparing seating options.
Details In Workmanship
Most (but not all) outdoor teak furniture is manufactured with mortise and tenon joinery that provides extremely sturdy finished pieces and tight-fitting joints. The precision of the workmanship varies from manufacturer to manufacturer—joints should fit tightly together with no gaps whatsoever. Be wary of furniture patched with wood putty to hide defects in workmanship, as well as furniture that must be glued together—it will not withstand prolonged outdoor use. The use of dowels to secure the mortise and tenon joinery not only adds to the strength of the construction, but also allows for a perfect finished look with no visible hardware. Dowels should be made of teak to blend in with the furniture.
The quality of the fine sanding on the finished furniture is one of the most important details. This is where one can separate mass-produced pieces from handcrafted ones. Teak garden furniture should be extremely smooth to the touch, with no rough edges whatsoever.
The Value of Teak
For years, teak has had the reputation of being costly, and from some sources it still is. However, competition in the market has brought prices down to more reasonable levels. Today, teak is one of the best values available in outdoor furniture. Be sure to consider design details, workmanship and comfort when comparing prices, and before specifying, to be sure you are getting the value you expect. Don't assume the quality is better if you pay more.
Over the next decade, we will continue to see more and more wood used in outdoor settings as plastic and other materials are phased out. Teak has always been, and will continue to be, a highly prized material for outdoor furniture because of its beauty and durability.
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