Teak Wood Outdoor Furniture – King of the Forest, and the Garden!
By Karen Badalucco
If you are considering wood for your outdoor space, then teak wood outdoor furniture should be on your list. It has been used for centuries in the marine industry because there is hands down no other wood that performs as well. It is a dense, close grained hardwood, high in natural oil content. It resists rotting-even when untreated and is almost impervious to the effects of rain, snow, sun, and frost.
As demand has risen for this valuable wood, unfortunately, so have unscrupulous practices in logging. With this knowledge, it becomes important as a consumer to evaluate options based not only on features of the furniture but is the wood coming from responsible sources? Are they adhering to practices that will ensure a future for this beautiful commodity? And of course is the quality the best value for your dollars?
Fortunately, what I have found in my experience, there is a fairly easy way to navigate through the thousands of choices to find the best, most responsible teak wood outdoor furniture brands who are providing end products of superior quality while maintaining a standard of conduct acceptable to protect the industry. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is considered the most inclusive and strict organization formed to protect teak forests. Because logging takes place in many different countries, finding a way to regulate worldwide is crucial. The FSC has done an excellent job of setting the standard for logging practices. Teak grown on plantations which require replacing what is taken will ensure that there is always renewal of this valuable commodity.
Another important agency worth noting is the FEQ (First European Quality) designation. It ensures the buyer that the teak being used is true tectona grandis, the finest species. It also ensures that the pieces selected are the best within that species. There are many fine large companies that own their own plantations, hand-select only the finest pieces, and adhere to all of these practices voluntarily but these two designations are particularly useful in determining the credibility of smaller, equally acceptable sources.
Once it has been established that the wood comes from reputable sources, there a few key considerations that will lead you toward choosing teak outdoor furniture that will provide you with many years of enjoyment. Kiln-dried wood is important for close-fitting joints and assures stability of the finished piece. Marine quality stainless steel hardware is best to avoid corrosion after outdoor exposure. Design features discussed on the general page about wood garden furniture will be particularly useful in your search for teak wood outdoor furniture.
Look for FSC designation when considering your teak wood outdoor furniture purchase. If you do not see it displayed, ask questions. Is the teak plantation grown? What efforts has the company made to ensure your comfort level in purchasing? Chances are the best quality furniture is coming from the companies with the most socially responsible practices. As a consumer, be selective, ask questions, and help preserve this king of the forest for future generations.
Karen Badalucco writes about home, garden, and related topics at Sage Garden Style, an outdoor furnishings and lifestyle design website. As a former buyer of indoor and outdoor furniture, table top products, and furnishings in the hospitality industry, she now designs her own line and markets other artisan products. To find more visit her website at http://www.sagegardenstyle.com
Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Karen_Badalucco/637268
http://EzineArticles.com/?Teak-Wood-Outdoor-Furniture—King-of-the-Forest,-and-the-Garden!&id=4624465