More and more people are beginning to appreciate the beauty of teak patio furniture. This is particularly true for those people who care more about the quality of their wooden patio furniture rather than the quantity of it. Teak is an elegant and long lasting wood which grows mostly in Burma, Indonesia and other exotic locations. Popular belief is that Egypt was one of the first countries to use wood patio furniture. However, over the years the whole world has recognized the beauty and grace of teak patio furniture. The popularity of Teak for wooden patio furniture is based on its resilience, unique grain, and its durability to resist insects and natural decay. Even in an untreated form, the longevity of unfinished teak is impressive, as it can last up to 75 years.

Wooden patio furniture comes in many styles and in various finishes. Nowadays the best outdoor wood patio furniture sets can rival the quality of indoor dining furniture. There are many different types of wood used. As well as Teak, these include Cypress with its unique grain; Cedar which transforms from a red or reddish-brown colour to a silvery-grey appearance; and Knotted Pine which has a natural resistance to the outdoor elements, pests, and decay.

So why are so many people interested in Teak patio furniture? Well, the answer lies in the wood itself. Teak is a very hard wood that has a strong resistance to winds, pests, humidity, and all manner of conditions that a normal wood faces in its lifetime. It is an extremely durable wood that is often used in construction around water, such as decking in marine locations. As a result teak patio furniture can withstand very harsh weather during the winter months and still look fantastic during summer. In fact some people prefer the look of this type of wooden furniture as it gets older, as the wood matures to a beautiful silver-grey colour.

It is important to have a word of caution here. Just because Teak is durable, it doesn't mean you shouldn't care for your wooden patio furniture. Teak does not splinter but it may develop small cracks with time; due to its high content of natural oils. It should be treated if you plan to leave it out in the winter or during bad weather, as its oils do not create a great surface sheen.

As with any form of wooden patio furniture it is a good idea to avoid spilling drinks or other foodstuffs on it. If an accident does happen do not try and clean it with common household detergents. Either just leave the stain to fade over time or sand the area down with high grade sand paper and re-polish it. Remember, you must make sure your Teak patio furniture is clean before re-polishing otherwise you will trap the dirt into the wood.

You will probably pay more for a Teak patio furniture set than for other types of wooden patio furniture and certainly more than for plastic furniture. However, you are buying quality. It is very satisfying to sit outside on a sunny winter's day enjoying your garden in the knowledge that your neighbours have had to pack their garden furniture away for the season.

The final point to note is that after making that investment in elegant Teak patio furniture you should not spoil the effect by finishing it off with cheap accessories. So do not buy cheap cushions or a flimsy umbrella. Cushions should be thick, about for to six inches, and be made from good quality material that enhances the wood. The umbrella should be made from teak and material that complements the cushions. Get these accessories right and your patio furniture will be aesthetically pleasing to both you and your visitors.