Before you buy any teak furniture, you want to ask yourself how long does teak furniture last. Knowing the longevity of furniture should be a crucial part of deciding because you can tell whether you need to make extra spending or whether you need to plan out any replacement. Teak furniture is generally long-lasting, but when you know its strength and durability, you know what to expect from it.
The General Longevity
So, how long does teak furniture last? Generally, you can expect the teak to last 50 years – 70 years is max. But when you place the furniture in the proper environment and care for it well enough, you can expect it to last for good. It’s quite common for people to have teak furniture as a part of their hand-me-down stuff for generations. Some of the park benches in the UK have been a century old.
Teak has an impressive lifespan that can make it last for decades, thanks to its durability and strength. And even when the wood finally weathers, it will happen over time beautifully with also naturally beautiful color. If you buy teak furniture for an outdoor setting, expect it to last for at least 2 decades. But then again, you can prolong its life by doing proper care and maintenance. If you buy the furniture for indoor usage, you can expect a forever lifespan.
Related: What’s the Difference Between Teak Grade A, B, and C: Identifying the Right One for You
Teak Grades
When we are talking about how long does teak furniture last, we should also talk about teak grades because they are deeply related. You see, teak wood itself comes in different grades, depending on the area where they are ‘harvested’. The best grade would be grade A from the heartwood or the center of the tree. Grade B to D usually comes from the outer core area of the tree.
If you want to have outdoor furniture, you should use grade A because it’s the best and the strongest. It can do very well against extreme weather conditions and it can last forever even when you don’t care for it properly. Grade B is almost similar to grade A in terms of quality. The only difference is the color. Grade A has a somewhat consistent honey color with a glossy sheen and close grains, while grade B has more color variations with black and gray veins and (darker) brown patches. It has less shine with more grain twisting and knots (which you won’t find on grade-A teak).
Grade C and D teak comes from the outermost area of the teak wood, known as sapwood. It’s a young type of wood whose quality is lower than the heartwood. They are still teak and they are still good for furniture. But grade C and D teak furniture isn’t the best option for outdoor furniture. However, they are great for indoor furniture. If you use this teak furniture for outdoor usage, it won’t last. They may last for a decade or two, even with proper care. But when you use them as indoor furniture, you can expect them to last longer.
Related: How to Restore Indoor and Outdoor Teak Furniture with the Proper Steps and Right Tools
Proper Care of the Furniture
Proper care is deeply related to the lifespan of the furniture. If you expect it to last, you need to do these things.
- Wipe any spill right away.
- Protect your furniture from direct sunlight and sun exposure. It’s better if you can cover it when not in use.
- You should dry it thoroughly and completely, especially after you clean it up.
- Use placemats as well as coasters, so you can protect the top surface. Coasters will prevent any water ring from happening, while the placemats will avoid scratches made by utensils, plates, and others.
In the end, knowing how long the wood can last will determine the proper care that you can do for your furniture. And now that you know about the proper care and how long does teak furniture last, you know the best care to do.
