Weather-Resistant Furniture: Why Teak is the Best Garden Furniture to Leave Outside

Want to make the right furniture material choice for your outdoor space?  

If you’re looking for garden furniture that can be left outside all year round and still look great over time, teak outdoor furniture stands out among other material options.  

But, what makes teak the best garden furniture to leave outside?  

In this blog, we’ll evaluate popular garden furniture choices to uncover why teak reigns supreme, alongside the unique benefits of teak wood, and tips on how to maintain its beauty in the long-term.  

Pros & Cons of Popular Garden Furniture Materials  

Each garden furniture material has its own set of advantages and drawbacks. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular:  

Wood: 

A classic choice, wood outdoor furniture is appreciated for its natural appearance and sturdy build. Its aesthetic appeal seamlessly blends in with garden environments for a warm, organic feel. 

However, wood requires regular maintenance to protect it from the elements, and without the proper care, it can warp, crack, or rot over time. This makes wood a less durable outdoor furniture option compared to other more modern materials.  

Rattan:  

Rattan garden furniture is known for being lightweight, stylish and comfortable, which makes it a popular choice for homeowners after outdoor furniture with a touch of luxury.  

Unfortunately, rattan is highly susceptible to weather damage, and prolonged sun exposure can cause it to fade and crack. As a result, rattan usually needs to be stored indoors to prolong its lifespan.  

Aluminium:  

Another favoured material, aluminium is particularly popular among homeowners looking for a low-maintenance option. It is lightweight and rust-resistant, which makes it ideal for outdoor use.  

However, aluminium furniture can be less comfortable and may not blend as well with natural surroundings as wooden or rattan pieces. It can also become uncomfortably hot in direct sunlight, which poses a potential safety risk.  

Plastic:  

Plastic garden furniture stands out for its affordability, lightweight nature, and ease of cleaning. Although a practical choice for budget-conscious homeowners, it is generally not very durable.  

Plastic outdoor furniture can fade and become brittle with prolonged exposure to the sun, and its aesthetic appeal is often less sophisticated than that of wood, rattan, or metal options. 

Teak:  

Renowned for its extreme durability, weather-resistant properties, and beautiful, natural appearance, teak garden furniture reigns supreme.  

Requiring minimal maintenance and retaining its natural beauty over time, developing an alluring silvery-grey patina if left untreated, teak wood is the ideal choice for homeowners seeking a stylish and functional outdoor space.  

The Unique Benefits of Teak  

Unlike other materials that come with various limitations, teak offers a unique combination of durability, beauty, and ease of maintenance. The distinct benefits of teak wood include:  

Highly Weather-Resistant: 

Teak’s natural oils and tight grain structure make it incredibly resistant to the elements. Unlike other woods that can warp, crack, or rot when exposed to rain, sun, or snow, teak remains stable and intact. Compared to rattan, which fades and cracks under prolonged sun exposure, and aluminium, which can become uncomfortably hot, teak maintains its integrity and appearance all year round.  

Pest-Resistant: 

Teak’s high oil content also acts as a natural repellent against pests and insects that can damage the wood. This inherent pest resistance means you don’t need to treat teak with chemicals, unlike other woods that may require regular pest control treatments.  

Low Maintenance: 

Teak requires minimal upkeep compared to other materials. While wood generally needs regular treatments and rattan may need to be stored indoors during adverse weather, teak only needs occasional cleaning to maintain its beauty. Its ability to develop a beautiful silvery-grey patina over time eliminates the need for constant maintenance, unlike plastic which can fade and become brittle, requiring frequent replacements. 

Sustainable: 

Teak that is responsibly sourced, like ours here at Luxus Home & Garden, is an eco-friendly garden furniture material choice that contributes towards environmental conservation. This strongly contrasts aluminium, whose production can have a significant environmental impact, and plastic, which is often derived from non-renewable resources and contributes to landfill waste. 

Long-Lasting Investment  

Although the initial cost of teak furniture may be higher, its longevity and enduring appeal make it a cost-effective choice over time. Unlike rattan, which may need frequent replacements due to weather damage, or plastic, which deteriorates quickly, teak furniture, like our teak garden dining set, can remain a durable and attractive addition to your outdoor space for many years. 

How to Care for Teak Outdoor Furniture  

While teak is a low maintenance outdoor furniture option, there are a few simple steps you can take to help preserve its beauty and extend its lifespan. These include:  

1. Regular Cleaning: Clean your teak furniture with a mild soap and water solution. Use a soft brush to remove dirt and debris and avoid harsh chemicals that can strip the wood of its natural oils. 
2. Annual Washing:  For deeper cleaning, you can use a teak cleaner once a year. This helps to maintain the wood’s natural colour and remove any accumulated grime. 
3. Allow Natural Ageing: If you prefer the silvery-grey patina that teak develops over time, simply allow your teak furniture to weather naturally. This look is highly valued and requires no special treatment. 
4. Oil Treatment (Optional): If you’re wondering “should I oil my teak furniture?” the answer is yes, but it’s not mandatory. If you want to maintain the golden-brown colour, you can apply a teak oil treatment once or twice a year. This helps to preserve the wood’s natural hue but is not necessary for the furniture’s longevity. 
5. Protective Covers:  While teak is highly weather-resistant, using protective covers during extreme weather conditions can help keep your furniture in pristine condition. 

Here at Luxus Home & Garden, our award-winning teak furniture, including our teak benches and teak garden chairs, is undoubtedly the best material for garden furniture. Offering a perfect blend of durability, low maintenance, and timeless beauty, its ability to withstand the elements and resist pests makes it a smart investment for any outdoor space. 

Shop our entire collection online today to find the perfect furniture pieces to transform your outdoor space into a luxurious sanctuary.