Move Up To Teak

By Bob Winter

After years of neglecting my outdoor living space, I decided to make an investment in teak furniture. I did some research on the inherent qualities of teak wood and the natural teak oils that protect the wood from the elements, rot, insects etc. As I learned, teak wood requires no maintenance, staining, and protective coating or otherwise. As a matter of fact, it is recommended that nothing is done to the wood!! Unbelievable. I thought all wood other than pressure treated wood would rot. Over time, teak wood will take on a natural silver gray hue.

Here is what I bought for my outdoor patio. I got an expansion table that expands to 71″ and seats 6 people comfortably. I purchased six folding chairs and two folding arm chairs for seating. Next I purchased a foldout teak bar that is really cool. When fully extended, it is over 70 inches wide. I purchased four teak stools to go along with the teak bar. I have it next to the French doors leading to my indoor kitchen for quick access to re-supply the teak bar.

I then purchased a garden bench that seats two and two garden arm chairs and set them up in the grassy area leading to the pool. I intend to build a stone fire pit in between the bench and chairs. For the pool area, I spent a little more than I originally intended but it looks great. I purchased six chaise koungers that have 32 comfort settings. Over near the sunken hot tub I placed a 47′ round folding teak table outfitted with four more teak folding chairs that match the ones I purchased for the 71′ expansion table.

I accessorized by adding a teak bar table and chair set, teak storage box for towels and toys, rolling teak tray and teak cart and four teak planters. To tie it all together, I purchased two Wood Market umbrellas with Sunbrella Mahogany/Brass Vintage Strip fabric. I ordered 3 outdoor cushions for all my folding chairs, benches and arm chairs in Sunbrella Mauritius Coffee fabric. For the teak chaise loungers, I decided on Sunbrella Sailcloth Shell fabric. I really like the way these fabrics complement each other and the teak wood.

My entire outdoor living area now looks fantastic. It is comfortable, functional and the Teak wood will last a lifetime.