Teak furniture

What is teak?
Teak is a hardwood found in Asia. Unlike the hardwood trees found in North America, teak is a tropical tree found in rainforests that can grow upwards of one hundred and twenty feet tall. There is a difference in the quality of teak between that which is grown naturally in the forest and teak grown on a plantation. The plantation teak is often weaker and will split whereas the teak cut from naturally gown trees is far sturdier.
What type of tools and supplies do I need to make my teak furniture?
If you decide to make your teak furniture you will need a few basic items. A good quality electric saw will save you a lot of time and sweat versus using an old-fashioned handsaw. Tools such as a lathe, hammer, screwdrivers, and sander are just a few of the items you will need.
How sturdy can I expect my teak furniture to be?
Teak furniture is a very strong and durable wood. Unless it was improperly cut or assembled it will be sturdy and can withstand a great amount of weight. Teak is like any other wood in that it must be taken care of if you want it to last. Harsh chemicals and weather conditions can deteriorate the structural integrity of the wood.
How should I clean it?
You can buy expensive furniture cleaning solutions but in reality, a mild dishwashing cleanser will work very well. You might also consider using a wood polish to help maintain the external coating. The most important thing to consider is that teak is very sensitive to chemicals and will discolor if used.
How can I refinish my teak furniture?
Refinishing your teak furniture begins with stripping the old surface away and then reconditioning the wood before applying a sealant. If the furniture was never sealed properly then you might have some work cut out for you. You will have to sand the furniture, especially in any discolored spots. If you still cannot remove dark discolorations, consider taking it into a professional.