Teak is an extremely dense [40lbs cu ft when dry] coarse grained hardwood which grows in Southeast Asia, Africa, and also recently on plantations in Central America. Teak wood is generally straight grained, but occasionally wavy, with a complex and uneven texture. The wood contains a high level of silica which causes rapid blunting of cutting edges. Unlike other timber species which have silica primarily in the tree's bark, teak has high concentrations of silica throughout the heartwood. When freshly cut, the surface of the wood is dull in appearance, and the timber has a distinctive, pleasantly aromatic odor which has been likened to the smell of leather. Fresh sawn teak has a slightly 'oily' feel due to the high oil content. One of the most commonly quoted facts about the characteristics of teak is its durability. Due to the extraordinarily high concentration of oil and rubber which occurs naturally in the wood, teak is resistant to rot caused by fungal decay. Additionally, the high level of resinous oil and silica present in the timber helps to act as a natural insect repellent giving the timber very high resistance to attack by termites and other wood boring insects. Teak is said to be resistant to water and many chemical reagents, including acids. It does not have a strong reaction when it comes in contact with metals.

If outdoor furniture made of wood is being contemplated, teak is the material of choice. If you have decided on teak furniture for your outdoor space, make sure that the furniture is made from First European Quality Grade A teak, and has been properly kiln-dried. Then look very closely at the quality and fit of the joinery in the piece. Verify the thickness of the lumber. Examine the underside of the piece. Remember, the fit and finish of the parts you can see tell much about the parts that you cannot. If it has moving parts, try them for smoothness. Are parts held together with bolts and screws, instead of dowels? Remember that wood and metal expand and contract at different rates with the fluctuations in temperature common here in Northern California. Inquire about the manufacturer's guarantee.