Teak Garden Furniture Buying Guide - Why Focusing on Teak Is Not Enough
Teak has become one of the most desired materials for garden furniture due to its unique aesthetic appeal, natural resistance to the outdoor elements and unparalleled durability.
While other types of wood in best case last about two decades, teak can last a lifetime with virtually no care required other than occasional cleaning with soapy water.
It is more expensive than other types of wood because it is relatively rare.
But it is a good investment which pays off in the long term.
However, choosing teak furniture alone is not enough to enjoy its beauty, convenience and durability.
First of all, it is highly important to be aware that teak comes in three grades - A, B and C.
Obviously, grade A refers to the highest quality timber which offers all the above mentioned benefits.
Grade A timber is taken from the central section of the log which is the strongest part of the tree and contains the highest amounts of natural oils that protect the wood from the effects of the weather, time and wood-eating insects.
Unfortunately, grade A teak makes up only about one third of the tree which is why it is relatively expensive in comparison to grades B and C.
Grade B teak furniture is also made from the central part of the log but there is one important difference between grades B and A.
While the latter is taken from mature trees, grade B timber is obtained from semi-mature trees which contain less natural oils.
As a result, outdoor furniture which is made from grade B teak cannot withstand exposure to the outdoor elements without additional protection in the form of periodic oiling.
Grade C is the lowest quality timber which is taken from the outer sections of the log and contains virtually no teak's natural oils.
In addition to teak grades, it is also highly important to pay attention to quality of workmanship when buying new garden furniture.
After all, it will be exposed to extreme conditions and needs to be made according to the highest quality workmanship standards to retain its strength and provide the highest level of comfort for years to come.
Fortunately, poor quality workmanship can easily be noticed if you take a closer look at the furniture.
This, however, is not possible when buying garden furniture online although there are several things which reveal a lot about both quality of the timber and workmanship.
The most reputable teak furniture brands always enable you a close-up view of their products but they also offer money back guarantee which allows you to return the furniture if you are not satisfied with it within a certain period of time.
Usually, they give you 10 to 15 days but this is more than enough to convince yourself whether it meets the highest quality workmanship standards.
Also, keep in mind that premium teak garden furniture always comes with a guarantee.
Its length tends to vary from one manufacturer to another but the brands which are absolutely certain in quality of their furniture typically offer a 10-year guarantee.
While other types of wood in best case last about two decades, teak can last a lifetime with virtually no care required other than occasional cleaning with soapy water.
It is more expensive than other types of wood because it is relatively rare.
But it is a good investment which pays off in the long term.
However, choosing teak furniture alone is not enough to enjoy its beauty, convenience and durability.
First of all, it is highly important to be aware that teak comes in three grades - A, B and C.
Obviously, grade A refers to the highest quality timber which offers all the above mentioned benefits.
Grade A timber is taken from the central section of the log which is the strongest part of the tree and contains the highest amounts of natural oils that protect the wood from the effects of the weather, time and wood-eating insects.
Unfortunately, grade A teak makes up only about one third of the tree which is why it is relatively expensive in comparison to grades B and C.
Grade B teak furniture is also made from the central part of the log but there is one important difference between grades B and A.
While the latter is taken from mature trees, grade B timber is obtained from semi-mature trees which contain less natural oils.
As a result, outdoor furniture which is made from grade B teak cannot withstand exposure to the outdoor elements without additional protection in the form of periodic oiling.
Grade C is the lowest quality timber which is taken from the outer sections of the log and contains virtually no teak's natural oils.
In addition to teak grades, it is also highly important to pay attention to quality of workmanship when buying new garden furniture.
After all, it will be exposed to extreme conditions and needs to be made according to the highest quality workmanship standards to retain its strength and provide the highest level of comfort for years to come.
Fortunately, poor quality workmanship can easily be noticed if you take a closer look at the furniture.
This, however, is not possible when buying garden furniture online although there are several things which reveal a lot about both quality of the timber and workmanship.
The most reputable teak furniture brands always enable you a close-up view of their products but they also offer money back guarantee which allows you to return the furniture if you are not satisfied with it within a certain period of time.
Usually, they give you 10 to 15 days but this is more than enough to convince yourself whether it meets the highest quality workmanship standards.
Also, keep in mind that premium teak garden furniture always comes with a guarantee.
Its length tends to vary from one manufacturer to another but the brands which are absolutely certain in quality of their furniture typically offer a 10-year guarantee.
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