Teak has enjoyed great popularity again since the vintage boom. But it has been used for furniture, both indoors and outdoors, for centuries. It is not only beautiful to look at, but also very robust and durable. Teak gives many mid-century furniture its characteristic look.
How do you recognize teak wood?
Teak is a very dense and hard tropical wood. It is often found with golden or dark brown hues. It actually comes from a tree that is native to South and Southeast Asia. Teak trees can reach a height of up to 35 m. The wood is rich in natural oil, which conveniently not only repels insects but also gives the wood its characteristic weather resistance.
Image 1: Teak wood can have different colors.
Why is teak so popular?
Of course we also know how pretty teak is! But it is also characterized by its longevity and durability. And as mentioned, it is moisture and pest resistant. All of these characteristics earn teak a special place in the history of shipbuilding, architecture and furniture making. With its warm brown tones, teak became a visual symbol of an entire design era in the collections of famous designers such as Kai Kristiansen and Hans J. Wegner.
Image 2: Many of the Mid Century Modern furniture are made of teak.
As it weathers and dries over time, teak's color changes from a warm honey brown to a rustic silver gray. However, with proper care, teak can retain its attractive golden shine forever.
The 3 most important care instructions for teak
- Regular Cleaning: Teak wood should be cleaned regularly to remove dirt and dust. It is best to use a soft brush and warm, soapy water for this.
- Avoid Moisture: Although teak wood is resistant to moisture, it is better to keep it dry. If it gets wet, damage can occur. Therefore, make sure that you do not leave teak furniture directly in the rain and that you always dry it after a rain shower. If you use teak furniture indoors, make sure that no liquid runs out on it and always wipe it up immediately otherwise unsightly dark stains may appear.
- Oiling: Teak wood can be treated with special oil to maintain and restore its beauty and longevity. Apply the oil to the wood with a clean, dry cloth and allow it to absorb. Then wipe off the excess oil.
