At SIMEXA, we believe great quality outdoor furniture should always be sustainable and definitely weatherproof. In this regard, teak outdoor furniture is a must in terms of durability and aesthetics. However, supplies are limited, and professionals are looking for alternatives to teak outdoor furniture offering both equivalent quality and the same versatile, luxurious look.
Here is a question we are often asked by our clients: What is the best alternative to teak, as it becomes scarcer and more expensive?
In this article:
- Find out why teak outdoor furniture is becoming more expensive
- Take advantage of Simexa’s 23-years-long experience as an outdoor furniture manufacturer, and explore popular alternatives among our customers worldwide.
- Acacia and mahogany as alternatives to teak outdoor furniture
We said it loud, teak is our favorite wood for outdoor furniture: Thanks to its density and strength, its natural rubber and oils, teak has natural abilities to resist moisture or insects. In short, its unique combined characteristics make it a particular popular material for luxurious teak outdoor furniture, among other uses.
Also known asTectona grandis, teak is a hardwood from tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Traditionally, Burmese teak is considered the best quality, followed closely by Indonesian teak. However, restrictions are now causing manufacturers to consider other countries of origin.
Teak is a slow-growing species (20 to 25 years) and natural teak forests are declining because of overexploitation. In addition, teak culture and exploitation are carefully controlled while demand remains high, thus driving prices up:
- In Asia, where teak is mainly grown: Indonesia now strictly limits its exports; Myanmar, which used to provide about 75% of the world’s teak supply, has heavily regulated its logging for environmental reasons.
- In Africa, some countries are expanding in the teak market, through government-run planting programs. Zambezi teak outdoor furniture, for example, is increasingly in demand.
- In Latin America, tropical countries such as Panama, Costa Rica or Nicaragua have international teak reforestation projects. However, this production is still not sufficient to meet global needs.
For these reasons, it is feared that the cost of teak will not decrease in the near future.
Acacia
Also known as thorn tree, wattle or mimosa, acacia is now produced worldwide. Most of the time, the variety used to manufacture outdoor furniture is the Acacia Babul. Considered an invasive species, it is widely available and valued for its characteristics detailed below, making an interesting alternative to teak outdoor furniture.
Mahogany
Native to Indonesia, mahogany has always been popular despite its price. As it grows faster than other species (7-15 years), it is easily available and is an interesting substitute for teak outdoor furniture, thanks to its characteristics presented below.
Advantages
- Hard wood
- Easily workable
- Affordable
- Sustainable
- Scratch-resistant
- Great variety of grain patterns
Inconvenients
- Sensitive to heat and to low humidity
- Knots and variations
- Color darkens
- Fragile
- Specific care and maintenance
Advantages
- Hard wood
- Durable
- Water and insect-resistant
- Scratch-resistant
- Easy to maintain
Inconvenients
- Expensive
- Sensitive to direct light and extreme temperatures
- Heavy
- Color darkens
- Should be stored during winters
In conclusion, the current and future production of teak wood, lower than the needs throughout the world, will continue to impact its price. While teak outdoor furniture will always exist, Simexa is committed to offering alternative woods to continue to provide customers with aesthetically pleasing, durable and high quality outdoor furniture.
Learn more about quality materials that will guarantee durable outdoor furniture, here and there.
For further readings about teak and alternative hardwoods, you may browse the following articles:
- The Global Teak Study, IUFRO (International Union of Forest Research Organizations), 2017
- https://woodworkerlodge.com/why-is-teak-wood-expensive/
- https://www.escapeartist.com/blog/its-official-no-more-teak-out-of-myanmar/
- https://www.escapeartist.com/blog/teak-plantations-latin-america/
- https://greengarageblog.org/15-pros-and-cons-of-acacia-wood-outdoor-patio-furniture
- https://upgradedhome.com/is-mahogany-good-for-outdoor-furniture/
