Diverse Designs

• Teak furniture includes both elegant and casual designs, and teak is adaptable to either furniture style. Manufacturers offer upscale teak seating groups or dining sets, as well as small-scale bistro sets and occasional chairs or tables. Some teak furniture features functional right-angled styling, while other pieces exhibit a more graceful appearance with curved seat backs and rounded edges. Some manufacturers offer custom-made teak furniture to suit customers' personal preferences.
  
  

All-Weather Durability

• Teak has long been recognized for its resistance to wind, rain and sun. In fact, historic shipbuilders constructed entire ships from teak because of its durability and strength. Many boat manufacturers use teak for interior and exterior vessel trim, as teak can withstand the harsh marine environment due to the wood's natural oils. Boat cockpit tables and drink holders are examples of exterior teak trim. Some boats also exhibit teak decks.
  
  

Temperature Resistance

• Teak wood furniture is much less affected by heat or cold than other types of outdoor seating. In hot weather, metal or plastic furniture will be very hot to the touch, making it extremely uncomfortable as an outdoor seating option. In cold weather, you are discouraged from a patio or garden visit because your metal or plastic chairs are frigid to the touch. Teak or other wood furniture remains at a relatively constant, comfortable temperature regardless of the heat or cold.
  
  

Maintenance Choices

• Your teak furniture will maintain its structural integrity regardless of how you maintain it. Newly purchased furniture exhibits a rich gold color that will fade to a silver patina if you don't treat it. Some homeowners actually prefer this gently weathered look, which does not affect the furniture's durability. Retain the teak furniture's just-purchased appearance by periodically sanding and applying teak oil to the wood. Applying a stain creates a polished, uniform look, but you will not be able to return the teak to its natural appearance without completely removing the stain.
  
  

Teak Flooring Durability

• Some flooring manufacturers have noticed teak's durability and visual appeal and have incorporated teak flooring into their product lines. Teak flooring exhibits a tight, dense grain and colors that range from a warm gold tone to a rich reddish-brown hue. Teak flooring scores high on a scale that measures the amount of force needed to damage the wood. In fact, most teak varieties have earned higher scores than oak, commonly considered a durable hardwood. This trait makes teak suitable for active families, especially those with rambunctious pets.