What Color Is Teak Furniture
Teak is a popular wood material used in furniture manufacturing due to its durability, strength, and smooth texture. It’s a unique and beautiful wood that comes with a specific color tone that can vary depending on various factors such as age, type of soil it grows in, sunlight exposure, and other environmental conditions. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what color teak furniture typically comes in and tips on how to maintain its natural color for many years to come.
So if you’re looking to buy or already own teak furniture, read on to find out more about the most popular shades that you should expect.
Table of Contents
1. The natural color of Grade A teak furniture
If you’re wondering about the color of teak furniture, look no further than Grade A teak. This high-quality wood boasts a natural, warm honey color that’s consistent and even. The grain of the wood is also very tight, giving it a smooth surface that feels oily to the touch. Compared to lower grades of teak, Grade A has a uniform coloring that will eventually patina to a silvery grey over time.
While some furniture makers may stain or treat teak, the beauty of Grade A lies in its natural color and grain. Keep reading to learn more about the different colors of teak wood and how they change over time.
2. Color variation in Grade B teak furniture
If you’re looking for a more rustic or eclectic look for your garden furniture, Grade B teak might be the perfect choice for you. While it doesn’t have the consistent golden brown color of Grade A teak, Grade B has a warm, varied color with streaks of black and occasional splotches and discoloration. This is due to a higher allowance for knots and variations in the wood. Despite its differences from Grade A, Grade B teak is still a durable and long-lasting option for outdoor furniture.
As we mentioned before, teak wood changes color over time, so even if you start with a Grade B piece with more pronounced color variations, it will likely even out and develop a more consistent patina over time.
3. Teak wood changes color over time
Now that you have learned about the natural color of grade A teak furniture and the color variation in grade B teak furniture, it’s important to note that teak wood changes color over time. As the innate oils in teak dry out, the wood’s color will transform from its initial golden brown hue to a silvery grey over time. You may have heard that teak furniture can patina, and this refers to the beautiful silver-gray color that the wood achieves after years of exposure to the elements. Additionally, it’s worth noting that freshly milled teak can have a blotchy appearance, so if you want a more uniform look, it’s best to wait until the wood has aged and achieved its final color.
Remember, the color of teak furniture can be a great indicator of its quality and authenticity, so it’s always worth taking the time to understand how real teak furniture should look. When choosing a wood stain for your teak furniture, look for a product that will enhance the natural color of the wood without masking its beautiful grain pattern.
4. Why teak furniture turns grey over time
So, you might be wondering why your once golden-brown teak furniture is now turning grey over time. Well, the answer lies in the natural oil content present in the wood. As the oil evaporates with exposure to sunlight and weathering, the teak gradually fades into a silvery-grey patina. This effect is more prominent in untreated teak furniture, which naturally ages over time. But don’t worry, this color change doesn’t mean that your furniture is losing any of its quality or durability.
The aged color can add a touch of elegance and character to your outdoor space. If you prefer the aged look, simply leave your furniture untreated and let nature take its course. But if you prefer a more golden-brown hue, you can use a teak protector or specific stain to maintain the original color. Regardless of your preference, teak remains a high-quality and long-lasting material for outdoor furniture.
5. Freshly milled teak can have a blotchy appearance
When it comes to teak furniture, many factors can impact its natural color. As we discussed earlier, Grade A teak furniture typically has a consistent golden appearance, while Grade B teak may show some natural color variation. But what about freshly milled teak? Well, this type of teak can often appear blotchy and inconsistent. It can exhibit a range of colors from white to bright orange to dark brown. While it may not look like the teak furniture you’re used to seeing, this is a natural part of the wood’s aging process.
Give it some time, and it will eventually develop that beautiful golden-brown color that we all know and love. So don’t worry if your freshly milled teak furniture looks a little wonky at first—the beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and you’ll soon see why teak is such a prized material for furniture making.
6. Identifying real teak furniture by color
Now that you know how teak wood changes color over time, you might be wondering how to identify genuine teak furniture by its color. One key characteristic to look for is the golden-brown color of Grade A teak, which is the most valuable and high-quality type of teak wood. Grade B teak furniture often has color variations, and lower-quality teak can appear brown or even green. When in doubt, examine the wood grain closely – real teak will have a straight and smooth grain that is distinctive and attractive.
Keep in mind that as teak furniture ages, it will naturally turn a silvery-grey color unless properly treated with a wood stain. So if you’re looking for a piece of furniture that will stay golden-brown, make sure to choose high-quality teak and maintain it well.
7. How teak furniture color changes with age
As you now know, teak wood changes color over time. When you first purchase your Grade A teak furniture, you’ll notice its natural honey-brown color. As time passes, the wood will begin to lose its color and transform into a beautiful silver-gray patina. This is completely natural and should not be a cause for concern. Conversely, Grade B teak wood can have color variations that create a more non-uniform appearance.
When freshly milled, teak wood can have a blotchy appearance that is not entirely uniform. However, this changes with age as the wood matures and the colors merge. The sun is the primary factor that causes teak furniture to turn grey, as it breaks down the wood’s surface and leads to a natural fading of colors.
It’s essential to note that teak wood can also have variations in the range of colors. The darkness or lightness of the wood is dependent on when it was sanded or planned. Additionally, dark teak wood exhibits unique characteristics when it comes to color change. Sun exposure causes the wood to become lighter and turn yellow.
To keep your teak furniture looking its best, you can choose to apply a wood stain. It’s essential to select the right type of wood stain that complements its natural beauty rather than hides it. In summary, teak wood’s beauty extends beyond its natural honey-brown color to evolve into a silver-gray patina that is both unique and beautiful.
8. Characteristics of dark teak wood
If you’re looking for teak furniture with a bold, dark hue, you may consider dark teak wood. The heartwood of this beautiful wood species tends to be darker brown or even blackish-brown in color, adding a touch of elegance to any space. Despite its dark color, it still boasts the same great characteristic of highly natural oils, making it durable and strong. As with all teak wood, the color of dark teak wood changes with exposure to sunlight and air, gradually fading to a silvery-grey tone over time.
Consider your preferred aesthetic and personal taste when choosing the right wood stain for your teak furniture- opting for a darker wood stain can enhance the wood’s natural luster, while a lighter stain will accentuate its grain pattern. Be sure you’re choosing real teak wood if you’re looking for the lasting beauty of dark teak furniture, as imitations can’t compare.
9. Range of colors for teak wood
Now that you know about the natural color variations in teak wood, let’s talk about the range of colors that you can choose from for your teak furniture. Depending on the species of teak, the heartwood can range from a golden brown to a dark, almost reddish-brown color. Overall, teak wood tends to have a warm, inviting tone that pairs beautifully with a range of decor styles. If you’re looking to enhance the wood’s natural color, there are a variety of wood stains that you can choose from to deepen or enrich the hue.
However, keep in mind that teak wood naturally changes color over time due to exposure to the elements. So if you choose to apply a wood stain, make sure it’s a color that you will love long-term, even as the wood’s natural patina develops.
10. Choosing the right wood stain for teak furniture
Now that you know all about the colors of teak furniture, it’s time to talk about how to choose the right wood stain for your teak pieces. When it comes to staining teak, there are a few things to consider. You want to take into account the type of wood, lighting, and the number of coats needed. For a more traditional look, reddish or red-brown stains are perfect. However, you can stain teak with any color you prefer. From white to neutral tones to darker pigments, the range of colors for teak wood is vast. Just keep in mind that the longer you leave the stain to soak in before wiping any excess, the darker the color will be.
Also, multiple coats can be applied for an even richer hue. If you apply the stain correctly, it can last for years and years, and darker pigments tend to hold their color the best, lasting for up to seven years. So, have fun choosing your teak stain and creating your perfect look!