Teak Patio Furniture Review

Posted on September 10, 2008
Category: Teak Patio Furniture |

Teak Patio Furniture

Patio furniture specifically refers to certain types of furniture designed for outdoor use. Patio furniture is manufactured with weather resistant materials - Teak being one of the most commonly used wood. Teak is ideal for outdoor use as it contains silica which makes it resistant to fungal decay. It is also impervious to  many of the effects of water damage like rotting, twisting and swelling. Teak also holds up well to various chemicals and is resistant to fire.

Teak originates from South East Asia where it flourishes in tropical weather. It has built up natural defenses against the rain which is so prevalent in this region. Btw - Teak is also insect resistant. Aside from resistance to water damage Teak doesn’t require varnish at all due to the natural formation of oils within the wood. This oil protects it from the adverse effects of suntan lotion, body oil or chlorinated pool water. Salt water does not damage Teak as well.

Teak wood has a natural honey brown color which in itself makes staining unnecessary. Like Cedar, the wood will turn a sunbleached grey as it ages but can be restored with a light sanding. Grade “A” Teak is rated best as it does not have knots or defects.

In recent years Teak has lost it’s monopoly as the primary material for patio furniture. Outdoor furniture is now made with a wide range of materials like stone, metal, vinyl, plastics, glass, and various treated woods. Aluminum has become a common building material as it is strong and lightweight while being extremely durable. Aluminum furniture can become damaged by suntan lotions, perspiration and various other elements and should be washed frequently to keep the coating from flaking.

Patio Umbrellas

Your patio isn’t complete without other accessories like patio umbrellas and outdoor heaters. Patio umbrellas are an ideal way to keep the sun and rain away. Larger than standard hand held umbrellas, those designed for patios  are much larger and come in many different shapes, sizes, colors and fabrics. These umbrellas are rain repellant and don’t usually allow sunlight through them. Most patio umbrellas come with a valance around the edge for decorative purposes. Many companies give these umbrellas away as promotional items and usually pt a logo or company slogan on the top or valance.

Outdoor Heaters

Outdoor heaters allow people to use their patio during colder climates and are available in the form of gas patio heaters, quartz and ceramic electric lamps, wood burning chimenea and fire pits. Radiant heat is the manner in which heat is convected with outdoor patio heaters.  Outdoor heaters allow you to enjoy the patio later in the fall and earlier in the spring so don’t let the cooler weather keep you housebound. Heaters come in various styles like hanging, standing, or table top patio heaters. The gas heaters can run on various fuels like propane, kerosene or natural gas. Infrared heating has advanced so much that we can heat a variety of outdoor space these days like residential patios, restaurant patios, club houses or any special outdoor event.

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