Teak is a hard wood that is found in tropical regions, mostly in Southeast Asia, and it tends to grow quite tall, sometimes reaching upwards of 200 feet.  Because of its hardness and the fact that it is fairly weather resistant, it has been heavily used for teak patio furniture of late and has actually become quite a popular choice among those who wish to have wood furniture on their patios or in their garden.  However, this was not the first use for teak.  It’s been regarded as a grand substance for the creation of many different tools and items since its discovery.

The wood has long been used for outdoor purposes due to its ability to resist weather elements without treatment and sealing.  This ability comes from the natural oils that it produces, which make it durable even when not treated with oil or varnish.  Before teak furniture became all the rage, the wood was used for other outdoor purposes, such as building floating docks that rested in water all day long and saw all manner of errant weather.  It can last decades if cared for from time to time.  It was also a great asset to have as the material for a boat deck, since a ship saw any number of odd storms and difficult weather, as well as general wear and tear from seafaring.

As demand for wood furnishings of all kinds began to come in, the manufacture of teak outdoor furniture became more commonplace.  Of course, while there are three species of the tree, only one is not endangered, referred to as the “Common Teak” (Tectona grandis).  This is the most widely distributed teak and what most teak garden furniture is made from.

The oils produced by the wood also make it quite malleable, which is why it has been so easy to shape and mold into workable furniture.  Because it is imported, the price of the wood is higher than that of furniture made of domestic wood.  However, the coloration and style differ greatly in most cases from what is available on domestic soil, and the wood is more solid and sturdier than some of the wood products in the United States.  Therefore, a great number of people are willing to pay the higher price to buy teak wood patio furniture.

Now, teak has become popular for other uses because of its combined durability and malleability.  In fact, far beyond the common usage for garden teak furniture, it has been used for indoor flooring and for veneer for indoor finishings.  In the future, you can expect to see more and more of this particular wood coming across the border and entering store shelves for both indoor and outdoor use, from furniture to flooring and beyond.