What is Grade A Teak Outdoor Furniture?

Grade A teak outdoor furniture is considered some of the best wooden patio furniture. But what is it? Is it right for your backyard? Read this post to find out more!

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If you’re looking for high-quality outdoor furniture, you may have come across the term “Grade A teak.” Teak, also known as Tectona grandis, is a tropical hardwood that’s prized for its durability, beauty, and weather resistance. Grade A teak is the highest quality teak available and is commonly favored for outdoor furniture.

But what does that mean? And is it really worth the extra money?

In this post, we’ll explore what Grade A teak is and why it’s such a popular choice for outdoor furniture. We’ll also take a look at other grades of teak for a comparison.

This way, you can make the best choice for your backyard and know that your furniture will last for years to come!

When you are done ready below, make sure you come back and check out these posts:

👉 Find out how teak compares to acacia wood, another popular outdoor furniture material

👉 See how teak compares to aluminum and HDPE, which are other high-quality frame materials.

👉 Not sure what FSC-certified teak is? Check out why FSC-certified teak should be on your shopping checklist

What is Grade A Teak Outdoor Furniture

What is teak, and where does it come from?

Teak is a hardwood that is most commonly found in countries like Myanmar, Indonesia, India, and Thailand. The teak tree is known for its durability, beauty, and resistance to weathering. Teak has been used for centuries in shipbuilding and outdoor furniture construction. It’s well known for being able to hold up to harsh weather conditions due to its natural properties and density.

There are two main types of teak: plantation-grown and wild-grown. Plantation teak is grown on large farms in Africa and Latin America, specifically for the purpose of harvest. Wild-grown teak is harvested from forests in Southeast Asia. Both types of teak are used for outdoor furniture construction, but wild-grown teak is generally considered to be of higher quality.

Why is teak wood popular for patio furniture?

One of the main reasons teak patio furniture is so popular is because of its natural oils. These oils make the wood highly weather resistant and help it to last for years in outdoor conditions. In addition, teak has a beautiful golden brown color that will add a touch of luxury to any patio or deck.

Teak wood is known for its dense wood grain and high durability. It can withstand harsh weather conditions and heavy use without showing any signs of wear and tear. When properly taken care of, teak wood will last up to 75 years without significant signs of wearing.

So, if you’re looking for a high-quality, long-lasting material for your outdoor furniture, wood sourced from the teak tree is a great option.

What are the different grades of teak wood?

There are three grades of teak:

  1. Grade A
  2. Grade B
  3. Grade C

Below we list further details about each grade of teak wood.

1. Grade A Teak

Grade A teak is of the highest quality and is typically sourced from old-growth forests. These mature trees are large and old, resulting in dense wood grain. It uses the oldest wood in the tree, which is at its very center and is known as heartwood.

Pros of grade A teak wood:

  • This grade teak has a high density that will stand up well in outdoor spaces in a variety of weather conditions.

  • It can last up to 75 years without any signs of wear and tear.

  • It has the richest color due to its maturity.

  • This grade teak is less likely to contain knots or other blemishes.

  • Its high oil content makes it weather and water-resistant.

  • It is a low-maintenance wood because of its high quality.

Cons of grade A teak wood:

  • This grade is the most expensive

  • It may be difficult to find as it only makes up a small percentage of teak wood available on the market.

  • This grade of teak is not always sourced from sustainable plantations.

2. Grade B Teak

Grade B teak is the second highest quality and is usually sourced from young-growth forests. The wood from the teak tree that is used is known as immature heartwood. It isn’t sourced from the external wood of the plant, nor is it the densest wood at the center.

Pros of Grade B teak wood:

  • This is still high-quality teak, making it suitable for some outdoor and all indoor furniture.

  • It is more affordable than Grade A teak.

  • It is more commonly sourced from sustainable plantations.

  • It has higher availability than grade A teak.

Cons of grade B teak wood:

  • The color may not be as rich as Grade A teak because the wood hasn’t had as much time to mature.

  • It may not last as long and has a lifespan of about 30 to 50 years in an outdoor space.

  • It may contain more knots or blemishes than Grade A teak.

  • Because it has a lower oil content, it may not be as water or weather resistant as other grades.

  • It may require more maintenance, such as regular oiling and protective awnings.

3. Grade C Teak

Grade C teak is the third highest quality and is usually sourced from managed forests. This wood is stripped from the outer part of the teak tree and is considered young wood. This soft young wood isn’t ideal for furniture making.

Pros of grade C teak wood:

  • It’s easy to produce C-grade teak wood since it grows fast and is on the outer layer of the tree.

  • It is the most affordable variety of teak wood.

  • It can be used for small ornamental items such as picture frames.

Cons of grade C teak wood:

  • It is the lowest quality of the three grades, with a shorter lifespan of only a few years.

  • It warps easily and is full of knots, and therefore won’t retain the furniture’s shape.

  • C-grade teak contains next to no oil, so even with constant oiling, it can’t withstand bad weather conditions.

  • It is not as strong as the other grades, so it’s not ideal for large pieces of furniture such as tables or chairs.

  • It’s very soft, so it is prone to scratches, scuffs, and blemishes, even when treated with protective coatings.

How can you tell what grade your teak furniture is?

It can be helpful to identify the different grades of teak to make sure you’re not being sold a cheaper alternative.

High-grade teak will have long and straight grain lines that are close together. The color may differ between species, but in general, quality teak has a rich golden brown tone to it.

Quality teak will be high in oil, which means that it shouldn’t immediately soak up water droplets when they’re applied to the surface. The oil also increases the scent of the wood, which is a leathery earthy smell. If you smell a moldy or rotting smell, this is likely lower-quality teak. The natural oils protect the wood from microbes and pests and keep it smelling fresh.

Teak furniture should also feel smooth to the touch, without any raised grain. The heavier the piece of furniture, the better the quality, as it indicates a higher density.

The manufacturer’s label can also give away the quality of the teak. If mentions the source of the wood and what part of the tree it was cut from, this is a good sign. If it doesn’t say anything about where the wood was sourced, it’s likely lower quality C-grade teak or simply has a veneer of higher-grade wood.

How long does Grade A Teak wood last?

Grade A teak wood, when properly cared for, can last many decades. In the right conditions, it can even last up to 75 years. Some furniture pieces may even last a century, especially if kept indoors. On the low estimate, your outdoor teak furniture may last between 30 to 50 years with next to no maintenance.

In order to preserve your wood and extend its life, you’ll want to protect it from the elements as much as possible. This means keeping it out of direct sunlight and rain as well as storing it indoors during extreme weather conditions such as winter.

You should also clean your furniture regularly with a mild soap and water solution to remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated. Using natural oils to protect the wood will keep it from drying out, help retain its warm color, and can further help to extend its life.

Is Grade A Teak worth it?

Absolutely! Even though it may be a more expensive outdoor furniture option, it is highly weather-resistant, durable, and stylish. A well-maintained piece of teak furniture can be an heirloom item that can be passed down for generations. Plus, the natural beauty of teak wood makes it a timeless addition to any outdoor space.

If the price of the wood has you questioning the investment, remember that you won’t have to replace your teak furniture nearly as often as other materials. In the long run, it will actually save you money.

Where can you purchase teak furniture?

You can find teak available from many patio furniture retailers and brands!

We recommend shopping at brands like Outer, Neighbor, and Frontgate.

Why? 

Well, these brands also use other high-quality materials in their furniture like Sunbrella cushions, Olefin cushions, aluminum, high-density polyethylene, etc.

Final Thoughts

Grade A teak furniture is the highest quality of outdoor wood furniture and is worth the investment. It works great in any outdoor setting, is easy to care for, and will last you for many years to come.

Pay attention to where your teak wood is sourced from, and make sure to only purchase wood or furniture from reputable companies. This will ensure that you’re getting the best quality wood for your money.

Now that you know all about Grade A teak furniture, it’s time to start shopping for your perfect piece! Whether you want a classic dining set or a cozy lounge chair, there’s sure to be something out there that fits your style and provides you with the perfect backyard oasis.

Hi, I'm Ashley!

Hi, I'm Ashley!

I started Live Your Best Backyard to share my (and my family's) hands-on experience and countless hours of research on all things backyard to help you find the best products, ideas, tips, and information for your backyard!

Read More About Me
Hi, I'm Ashley!

Hi, I'm Ashley!

I started Live Your Best Backyard to share my (and my family's) hands-on experience and countless hours of research on all things backyard to help you find the best products, ideas, tips, and information for your backyard!

Read More About Me
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