Why Teak Endures: From Battleships to Beautiful Gardens

Discover how teak’s naval past shows it’s the top choice for outdoor furniture.

Teak’s strength helped protect sailors in WWI. Now it protects your furniture from rot, rain, and time. Discover why teak's resilience, and durability means it remains the ultimate timber for timeless outdoor living.

Few materials have a history as rich, or as practical, as teak. This remarkable hardwood has protected lives at sea, stood firm in tropical climates, and now takes pride of place in Britain’s finest gardens, parks, and heritage estates.

But what makes teak so special? And how did it go from warships to your garden bench?

Bespoke Leviathan bench and matching coffee table in FSC-certified hardwood. All our benches are handmade in the UK from solid certified hardwoods including teak, oak, sweet chestnut and iroko and come with a 15-year guarantee.

Bespoke Leviathan bench and matching coffee table in FSC-certified teak

A Timber That Saved Lives

Teak’s journey to garden furniture fame begins on the high seas.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, the British Royal Navy built its ships from oak. But during battle, cannonballs would send oak splinters flying through the decks, often causing more injuries than the shot itself.

Teak offered a better way. Its natural oils made it far less prone to splintering under impact. It was also resistant to rot, making it ideal for wet marine environments. As a result, naval engineers began decking warships with teak, saving lives and increasing ship longevity.

From Shipyards to Seating

When these mighty ships were decommissioned after World War I, their teak decking was repurposed into benches, tables and garden seats. Some of these original pieces, now over a century old, are still in use across the UK, testament to teak’s remarkable resilience.

Even today, many public parks, schools, historic properties and even private gardens proudly display teak benches, tables and chairs made from reclaimed naval timber.

2800 x 1400 Hartlepool table created in Teak salvaged from the SS PEGU

Hartlepool table created in teak salvaged from the SS PEGU

Why Teak is Still the Best Choice

Whether it’s salvaged from a battleship or sustainably harvested from a modern plantation, teak continues to set the standard for outdoor furniture. Here’s why:

  • Exceptional durability – Teak naturally resists rot, pests, and cracking, even without treatment

  • Low maintenance – It weathers beautifully to a soft silver-grey, or can be oiled to retain its golden hue

  • Hard-wearing elegance – With a tight grain and smooth finish, it blends strength with timeless style

  • Sustainable options – Certified plantations in Indonesia provide responsible alternatives to old-growth sources

Did you know? Some of the teak furniture we build today is designed to last over 25 years with minimal care. See our guide to teak care »

The Issue With Burmese Teak

Historically, the finest teak came from Myanmar (formerly Burma), where trees grew slowly over hundreds of years. Due to ongoing human rights concerns and environmental exploitation, the UK government has banned the import of Burmese teak.

Instead, we source only sustainably grown plantation teak from carefully managed Indonesian forests. It’s a responsible choice, and one that still delivers the performance and longevity teak is known for.

Choosing Teak Garden Furniture That Lasts

If you’re considering teak furniture for your home, school, or hospitality project, look for:

At Teak Garden Furniture, we’ve spent over 100 years handcrafting benches, tables, chairs and more in our UK workshop. We believe in furniture that’s made to last - not just through seasons, but through generations.

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13 August 2024

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