For years, teak has been one of the most popular choices for outdoor furnishings. Chairs, tables, even our teak shower benches, it’s a wood that has a gorgeous buttery yellow color that eventually fades into a blue-gray shade. Better yet, due to high amounts of rubber and oils, teak is naturally waterproof. It’s highly resistant against water, rotting, and outdoor pests, which is why it can last for years on end.

If you’re reading this, the odds are good you’re considering teak. Keep reading for a few things to think about prior to purchase.

• Since teak is a popular wood with a long lifespan, it’s a great choice for spaces you’re going to use long term. However, if you’re a fan of redecoration, or you tend to move around a lot, you may want to consider another wood.
• Teak demand is a good news/bad news scenario. The bad news is that, initially, teak demand caused widespread deforestation in areas of Southeast Asia. The good news is, teak is largely grown today in responsible and sustainable teak plantations.
• The first choice of finish when it comes to teak is natural. Natural/unfinished teak starts a yellowish color, and as it is exposed to the outdoors, it will gradually transform into a blue-gray color. If you like that, you don’t have to do anything.
• The second choice is sealed. This locks in the golden-brown shade and prevents color changes. However, the sealant will need to be eventually replaced, so be sure to ask about the right sealant to use.
• The third choice is preweathered, where your teak will remain the silvery-gray color. The upside to this finish is that it’s easier to coordinate accent pieces and fabrics.