How Long Does Teak Garden Furniture Last?

Teak garden furniture is one of the few materials that can live outdoors all year round and only grow more beautiful with age. With the right care, high-quality teak can last thirty to fifty years, often much longer, even in the unpredictable British climate.

British weather can be demanding, yet teak takes it in its stride. From heavy rain to cool winter mornings and long summer days, it remains stable and secure. The dense grain and natural oils within the wood protect against rot and mildew, while its smooth surface helps water run off with ease. Unlike softer woods that crack or warp over time, teak holds its shape season after season.

If you’re investing in outdoor furniture, that kind of reliability makes teak an exceptional choice. When placed in landscaped gardens, terraces or coastal spaces, it brings together strength, poise and lasting elegance.

If you’d like more guidance on caring for your furniture in colder months, read our advice on leaving teak furniture outside in winter.

Caring for Teak and Letting Its Natural Beauty Show

Teak asks for very little in return for its longevity. Its natural oils act as a built-in shield, offering quiet protection against the elements. Over time, sunlight softens the golden hue into a silvery-grey patina. This gentle shift in colour is part of teak’s charm, and many owners come to treasure it as it settles into its surroundings through each season.

If you prefer to retain the original warm tone, light sanding will refresh the surface and restore smoothness. Oiling, however, is not recommended. Because Chic Teak furniture is made from Grade A Heartwood, oil remains on the surface rather than absorbing into the timber. It can attract dust and create a dull coating without providing any real benefit.

Your teak furniture can be left to weather naturally, and its strength will endure.

Regular cleaning:

A gentle scrub, following the wood grain, with mild soap and water once or twice a year is all teak garden furniture needs to stay in excellent condition. Avoid pressure washers or harsh chemicals, as these can strip away the natural oils that make the timber so resilient.

You can find step-by-step guidance in our teak care and maintenance guide.

Does teak need sealing? We don’t recommend using teak sealers. They can interfere with the wood’s natural ability to breathe and will invalidate our ten-year guarantee.

This ease of care is what sets teak apart: furniture that quietly takes care of itself and continues to look beautiful for decades.

How We Know Teak Garden Furniture Lasts for Decades

The true measure of quality teak garden furniture isn’t counted in years but in decades. When crafted well, teak’s natural density and strength allow it to endure everyday use, rain or shine, with very little maintenance.

At our Hampshire showroom, a teak bench purchased by our chairman nearly fifty years ago still sits proudly outside. It has never been treated, yet remains as sturdy and graceful as the day it was made. Its surface has softened to a silvery patina, the joints are still firm, and while the grain naturally weathers over time, a light sand restores its smoothness. It’s a lasting example of how true craftsmanship and premium materials withstand time better than any treatment could.

That bench captures the spirit of long-lasting garden furniture, made to be part of the landscape, quietly reliable and timeless in its design.

Teak’s longevity also makes it one of the most sustainable materials for outdoor use. Because it lasts so long, it needs replacing far less often than cheaper alternatives, helping to reduce waste and preserve resources.

Why Chic Teak Furniture Lasts for Generations

Each Chic Teak piece begins with Grade A Heartwood, the finest part of the tree, chosen for its strength and purity. Our teak garden furniture is built using machine formed traditional mortice and tenon joints, a method known for its enduring stability. These joints move naturally with the timber, ensuring the furniture remains secure for decades.

Every surface is hand-finished to bring out the natural grain and refined texture that make solid teak so distinctive. This care and precision give our benches and tables their signature balance of strength and subtle elegance.

We work with three long-standing manufacturing partners in Indonesia who share our values and commitment to ethical production. All our teak is SVLK-certified and carries a FLEGT licence, confirming that it comes from responsibly managed, sustainable plantations.

Choosing responsibly sourced teak is as much about principle as longevity. When you invest in well-crafted, sustainable furniture, you’re supporting a legacy of design, care and integrity that lasts for generations.

Simple Ways to Help Teak Garden Furniture Last Even Longer

Teak is naturally resilient, but a few simple habits can make a lasting difference.

• Clean gently once or twice a year. Regular cleaning prevents dirt build-up and keeps the surface looking even as it ages.

• Allow it to dry naturally after rain. Teak breathes, and natural drying preserves the timber’s balance.

• Avoid oiling or sealing. These are unnecessary for Grade A Heartwood and may reduce performance.

• Store cushions correctly. Our cushions are showerproof rather than fully waterproof and should be brought in or covered daily. During winter, store them indoors rather than covering them, as prolonged covering can encourage mould growth.

• Tighten leg bolts on tables and oil any moving parts or metalwork annually.

For more guidance, see our tips on protecting your teak furniture over winter.

These simple steps help your furniture stay beautiful and comfortable for decades to come.

Craftsmanship That Stands the Test of Time

Choosing teak garden furniture is choosing longevity, a conscious investment in quality and design that endures. Each Chic Teak piece is made for comfort, balance and strength, designed to live beautifully outdoors through every season.

Over time, teak develops a quiet patina and presence that blend effortlessly into gardens and terraces. Its colour softens, its texture changes, and it becomes part of the landscape, a natural extension of the space you’ve created.

With care, our teak garden furniture can last thirty to fifty years or more. It stands as a true reflection of craftsmanship and design that are made to last.

Explore our collection of solid teak benches, dining sets and loungers, each one crafted to bring comfort and beauty to your outdoor living.