Teak has been used for ship decks, temple doors and fine furniture for centuries, and it is still the timber most people ask us about. Whether you are furnishing a villa terrace in Bali, a hotel pool deck in the Maldives or a dining room in London, the same questions come up again and again: is it really solid, will it survive the weather, why does it change colour, and how do I look after it?
We have answered the most common ones below. The answers come from our own work as an Indonesian teak furniture manufacturer: selecting and kiln-drying timber in Jepara, building and hand-finishing every piece, and seeing how our furniture performs in homes and resorts around the world over the years. If your question is not here, ask us directly.
For a deeper look at the material, see our materials page or our step-by-step guide inside a teak furniture factory.
Frequently asked questions
What is teak?
Teak (Tectona grandis) is a tropical hardwood native to South and Southeast Asia and grown widely in managed plantations on Java, Indonesia. It is valued for its strength, stability, golden colour and the natural oils that protect it from water, rot and insects.
Is teak good for outdoor furniture?
Yes. Teak is one of the best timbers for outdoor use. Its natural oils and silica content help it resist moisture, rot and insects, so solid teak furniture can stay outdoors all year, by the pool or by the sea, without needing a protective coating.
What does "Grade A teak" mean?
Grade A is a trade term for furniture made mostly from heartwood, the mature, golden-brown core of the tree, with little or no paler sapwood. Heartwood holds the most natural oil, so Grade A teak is the most durable and the most even in colour. Lower grades include more sapwood or more variation.
Why does teak turn grey outdoors?
Sunlight and rain gradually change the surface of the wood, turning it from golden brown to a soft silver-grey over a few months. This is purely cosmetic and does not weaken the wood. If you prefer the original colour, clean it and apply a teak protector or sealer regularly.
Should I oil outdoor teak furniture?
It is not necessary. Teak already contains natural oils. Applying oil outdoors can encourage mildew and needs frequent reapplication, so many owners either let the wood silver naturally or use a purpose-made teak sealer to hold the colour.
How do I clean and care for teak furniture?
Wash outdoor teak a few times a year with mild soapy water and a soft brush, working along the grain, then rinse and let it dry. Avoid high-pressure washers, which roughen the surface. For indoor teak, dust regularly, wipe spills promptly and keep it out of constant direct sun and away from heaters.
How long does teak furniture last?
Well-made solid teak furniture with proper joinery can last for decades, both indoors and out. Durability depends on the timber grade, how well it was dried and how it was joined, which is why those are the questions to ask a manufacturer.
Is teak furniture sustainable?
It can be. Plantation teak from Java is grown and harvested in managed cycles, and Indonesian exports are covered by the SVLK legality system. At Indocasa we work with our suppliers and the government forestry department so that trees are regularly replanted.
Can teak be used in bathrooms?
Yes. Teak’s natural oils make it one of the few timbers that cope well with humid bathrooms, which is why it is traditionally used on boats. Our bathroom collection includes teak vanities, mirrors and storage columns.
Why is teak more expensive than other woods?
Teak grows slowly, mature heartwood is limited, and good teak furniture needs careful kiln drying, solid joinery and hand finishing. You are paying for a material and a build that last far longer than cheaper alternatives.
