How to Identify Premium-Quality Teak Furniture

Teak has long been admired for its beauty, strength and natural resilience. Whether used in  garden furniture or throughout the home, it offers a rare combination of practicality and refinement that few materials can match. When sourced responsibly and crafted with care, it becomes an investment piece, one that brings warmth and character to every space, indoors and out. Learn more about the longevity of teak garden furniture in our detailed guide.

But not all teak is the same. Understanding how to recognise genuine, high-grade teak will help you choose furniture that not only looks exceptional but will last for decades.

Understanding the Grades of Teak

Not all teak is created equal. The quality of the wood depends on which part of the tree it comes from, how it’s processed and how it’s finished. For anyone investing in premium teak furniture, knowing these differences makes it easier to recognise real value when you see it.

Grade A teak comes from the heartwood at the centre of the tree. It’s dense, rich in natural oils and honey-gold in colour, making it the strongest and most durable option. This is the teak used across all Chic Teak collections, chosen for its ability to resist moisture and maintain its strength and beauty for decades.

Grade B teak comes from the outer heartwood. It shares some of the same qualities but contains fewer oils, making it less resistant to the elements. With regular care, it can still last, but it will require more upkeep .

Grade C teak, often called sapwood, is the lowest grade. It comes from the outer layers of the tree, which are lighter, softer and prone to splitting and rot. It’s often used in cheaper furniture or stained to look darker, but it won’t offer the same long-term strength.

When you choose responsibly sourced Grade A teak, you’re investing in the purest form of this remarkable wood, built to stay beautiful, season after season.

How to Identify Genuine Grade A Teak

Once you understand the grading, the next step is recognising what real Grade A quality looks like. The signs are all in the detail, the colour, the feel and the consistency of the wood.

Colour and finish: Premium teak has a rich golden hue that feels warm and even in tone. It often has a soft sheen from its natural oils, while lower-grade teak looks paler, drier or uneven in colour.

Grain and texture: High-quality teak shows a tight, straight grain with a smooth surface that’s pleasant to touch. Cheaper woods tend to have wider, irregular patterns and visible knots.

Weight and density: Grade A teak feels reassuringly solid. Its close grain and natural oils make it heavier than sapwood or other cheaper timbers, which can feel light and porous.

Authenticity and sourcing: Real Grade A teak will always come from responsible, certified plantations. Chic Teak works only with long-standing partners who meet strict environmental and ethical standards.

When in doubt, trust the finish and the feel. Genuine teak carries a natural quality that’s hard to imitate. See the difference in our Grade A Teak Collections. You are welcome to visit our Hampshire showroom to explore our luxury teak furniture first-hand.

Choosing Teak for Your Garden

For outdoor spaces that deserve the same attention as the rooms inside your home, Grade A teak offers a level of quality few materials can match. Its close grain and natural oils protect it from rain, frost and heat, keeping every surface smooth and resilient through the seasons.

While lesser grades may appear similar at first glance, they lack the strength and structure that true heartwood provides. Over time, Grade A teak maintains its integrity and finish, settling into a soft silvery patina that complements its surroundings.

Every piece of premium teak outdoor furniture from Chic Teak is made from responsibly sourced Grade A heartwood, designed for longevity and daily use. Explore our Teak Benches and Dining Sets to see how enduring quality brings lasting comfort and balance to outdoor living.

Teak’s natural durability and refined character make it ideal for outdoor spaces where strength, stability and low maintenance matter most.

Why Choose Chic Teak

At Chic Teak, everything begins with Grade A heartwood, selected for its colour, density and natural resilience. For more than two decades, we have worked with the same trusted partners in Indonesia, ensuring that every piece is made from responsibly sourced, FLEGT-certified teak. This consistency of provenance and quality is the foundation of our craft.

Each design is shaped with care and precision. Traditional joinery and hand-finishing bring a sense of quiet refinement to every piece, creating furniture that is durable, comfortable and effortless to live with. You are welcome to visit our Hampshire showroom to experience the depth and character of Grade A teak garden furniture in person.

A Lasting Investment in Quality

The difference between ordinary and exceptional furniture lies in how it feels day after day. Well-balanced proportions, smooth hand-finished surfaces and the natural warmth of teak come together to create pieces that settle beautifully into their surroundings. Whether in a landscaped garden or a sheltered terrace, Grade A heartwood matures gracefully and retains its strength over time.

Our craftsmen combine time-honoured techniques with considered design to ensure each piece offers lasting comfort and reliability. Explore our Teak Garden Furniture Collections to discover furniture made to be enjoyed for decades.

Author Bio 
Robert Bowden, founder of Chic Teak, specialising in high end, luxury teak garden furniture. Guided by Robert’s vision, Chic Teak supplies Grade A teak furniture that blends enduring beauty with genuine sustainability and excellent customer service.