• Visit lots of different companies to compare products and prices and take time to consider your purchase fully

• Before buying any teak furniture make sure that you visit the suppliers to ensure the product you intend to buy is not only from a reputable source but has the necessary guarantees of quality and full money back refund if proved otherwise

• Always spend the most you can on your teak furniture, as the quality is always reflected in the price you pay. Look at it like an investment and keep reminding yourself that you are buying something of value that can be passed on to future generations. By spending a little more you will ensure that you have years of satisfaction

• Think carefully about the size of the piece of furniture and where it's going to go in the house. Mark out the actual area and check that it is big enough for your requirements and that all the furniture will fit in. Try to avoid going for furniture which is too large or makes the room feel over-crowded

• Don't forget to consider extra insurance

• Think about the ambiance you want to create. Teak furniture is very elegant and sumptuous and will look better in some rooms than others. For example, it may be too dark and heavy for a conservatory constructed from lightweight, manmade materials, but for a conservatory which uses other natural products, teak may be just the thing

• Consider what will go well with the other furniture you already have in the house. For example, do you have quite rustic-looking furniture, simple-looking furniture or something more ornate? By taking this into account, your new addition will not look out of place