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Teak patio sets are now common to North American backyards and decks, but this tropical hardwood, also known as Tectona Grandis in Latin or Jati in Indonesia, has an interesting history that dates back centuries and makes it more than just an attractive buy. Straight from the monsoon forests of Southeast Asia, you're about to learn why owning a teak patio set is like owning a little piece of history.
Ancient civilizations in India and Malaysia first came upon the usefulness of teak as building material, and since the 7th century, teak has been used in various construction projects throughout Asia. In Siam and Thailand it was employed to build temples and palaces, among other structures. This specific wood was chosen primarily because it is an extremely tall species of deciduous tree which can grow upwards of 30 to 40 meters tall. Also, it is extremely durable, flexible and resistant to cracking, termites and weather, due largely in part to the natural oils it produces.
Despite its popularity in structural building, the most well-known use of teak has been in shipbuilding. Since the Middle Ages, teak has been the wood of choice for large ships not only because of its malleability and durability, but also because of some other peculiar features unique to the tree. Not only does teak withstand rust and rot, but when paired with metal it actually helps keep the metal itself from rusting as well. When combined with destructive salt water, one can see why teak patio feature would be especially useful for patio furniture. Though not used as much in modern shipbuilding, teak has proven to be so long-lasting that old ship decks have been recycled into park benches throughout Europe, some of which are even over 100 years old.
It was not until the 19th century that teak came to be considered as an option for use in indoor and outdoor teak patio sets. The British can be credited with transporting the locally admired wood from its colonial Indian homeland to Victorian England. However, harvesting the wood did not prove to be an easy process. Because the trees are so heavy, logs will not float on water as many other kinds of woods do and are thusly transported via waterway.
Instead, the task then fell on native elephants who were trained to pull the logs through jungles and place them in stacked piles for ground transportation. So effective was this method that it is still in use today. In modern times, though still mainly found still in Asia, teak is also now grown in parts of Central and South America, whose growing conditions are comparable.
These days, teak patio sets are some of the most commonly found throughout the United States. It can be found also in flooring, on yacht decks, and in such random spots as upscale ski resorts. Because of its admirable qualities and attractive grain, it is no wonder why teak has been so applauded as a building material for centuries and will continue to be so well into the future.
So you've been seeing each other around at the same stores. You're well familiar with what they have to offer you, and what you can bring to them. And lately, your life has felt just a little…well, empty. You go out on your patio, and you feel like something is missing. You feel like you need something – anything – to fill this void that you feel when you're sitting outside. And, after getting to know each other from your chance (and not so chance) meetings, you finally have the courage and the investment to make the next step. That's right: you are ready to bring that teak patio set you want home.
But how do you know that you're ready for a teak patio set? Sure, it looks nice sitting in the display at the store. But will it be a good fit for your family? Will it work for your crazy lifestyle? Will your patio furniture work well with everything in your life? With so many questions, are you really ready to make the commitment to add a teak patio set to your life?
With so much to consider, buying a teak patio set can feel more like making an addition to your family. Especially when you consider that your teak patio furniture can have a life span of 30 years or more. But as you weigh the pros of how teak will benefit your life, you may want to get more serious about your purchase.
First off, many teak patio sets are family-friendly. And by family friendly, I mean it will stand up to everything you can throw at it. Spilled drinks are no problem for teak furniture – because of how the wood is composed and made, teak will stand up to spills and stains for years. Clean-up is a breeze with this furniture – use a warm, moist rag and a mild cleaner to take care of any mess.
As one of the hardest woods on the market, teak patio sets will also stand up to everything your pets can throw at it as well. Because of its smooth finish and durability, your pets won't be able to sink their claws, teeth, or much else. And because of the natural oils that are buried within, your pets will be deterred from wanting to get near it.
As far as safety goes, a teak patio set is one of the most family-friendly investments you can make. As teak is one of the harder woods on the market, it naturally resists splintering and breaking due to natural wear. Whereas other woods will break with the seasons and time, teak will withstand everything you can throw at it and more. With a lifespan of over 30 years, this patio furniture will bring you overwhelming joy as time marches on. And as the elements wear down on your furniture, it won't splinter – rather, it will harden to a gray, smoothing out as the sun beats down on your furnishings.
While it can seem intimidating and even scary, knowing everything you can about buying a teak patio set will bring you joy for years to come. Knowing why it makes a good fit will help you make the best investment for your lifestyle, giving your patio a storybook ending.