Teak is used to make boats, furniture, or other items that are resistant to the elements. Teak is often used for outdoor furniture. It’s because of its strength, versatility, and multiple uses, it is more expensive than other woods. Teak furniture has become something of a status symbol. Since the best wood furniture made from teak comes from mature trees, it can take around 80 years before a teak tree planted today is harvested for wood. Teak is a great wood material and old teak can often be reclaimed. Once teak makes it to the backyard of your home there are several things that you should know about teak that will help maintain and take care of your furniture so you can enjoy it for decades. Teak furniture that is left outdoors will naturally begin to slowly change color from the golden honey tone of new wood to a silver gray. This process begins a few weeks after the wood is new. This is due to the evaporation of natural oil from the wood’s exposed surface. Some wood cracks and uneven coloring may appear during weathering. This is a natural process that should even out over time, and is simply a result of expansion and contraction of the wood due to changes in the weather and environment. This will give your furniture a different texture, making it more rough. It is important to service your furniture each year. The expansions of the wood can over time crack the wood. By continuously sealing your teak, you protect your furniture from this process and expand the life of the furniture