Teak is used to make boats, furniture, or other items that are resistant to the elements. Teak is used for outdoor furniture and it’s because of its traits including strength, versatility and multiple uses, it’s more expensive than most other woods. Teak furniture has become something of a status symbol. Teak furniture is best made from mature teak trees. It can take up to 80 years for a teak tree to be harvested for wood. Because of this, and because teak is such an excellent wood material, old teak is often 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 left outside will slowly change from the golden honey tone of newly crafted wood to a silvery gray. This happens within a few weeks of wood being installed. It is caused by the evaporation and oxidization of the natural oil from the wood on the exposed surface. Some wood cracks and uneven coloring may appear during weathering. This natural process should be a gradual one. It is simply the result of wood expanding and contracting due to changes in weather and the environment. This will give your furniture a different texture, making it more rough. This is why it’s so important to service your furniture every year. The expansions of the wood can over time crack the wood. You can protect your furniture by sealing it continuously. This will prolong the furniture’s life.