Determining the Value of Teak Furniture

There are few home accessories or pieces of furniture which can realistically be seen as holding their initial value or appreciating. Genuine high-quality teak actually will appreciate as it ages. If you are fortunate enough to have been the recipient of antique teak wooden furniture, depending on the current quality, you may have inherited a very valuable piece of furniture.

How can I determine the quality of my teak furniture?

Teak, being a hardwood is very dense and tightly grained. The wood should be without blemishes and knots and should not be painted or stained. Either practice will damage the wood and reduce its longevity (teak is known to last for generations in its natural state) since the paint or stain will seal in the rich teak oil. If teak is painted or stained, it may be possible to restore the wood to its original condition.

Look at the grain of the wood. The highest quality teak has a very tight grain, and is smooth to the touch and splinter free. Teak that has been left outdoors will turn from the rich honey-brown shade to a silvery gray. Many people mistake this shade to mean that the wood is damaged – and some even take this as a sign that it is necessary to paint or stain the wood.

If you are unsure about the appraisal value of your teak furniture, you can ask that your pieces be appraised by a professional furniture appraiser. Make sure that the person whom you select to appraise your teak is one that has valued teak furniture.

How do I maintain the value of my teak furniture?

One of the reasons that people select teak furniture is the quality and the longevity of teak. Teak is actually a wood furniture which can be viewed as an investment.

When you are looking for teak furniture, buying genuine teak from a reputable dealer is important. Some less-reputable dealers have been known to sell “teak-like” wood. Keep all of your paperwork from the purchase of your teak chairs, tables, or outdoor furniture in a safe place to document its original value and purchase information.

Never point or stain your teak furniture. Doing so will permanently damage the wood. If you do not want your teak to develop the silver patina, you can apply genuine teak oil to the pieces to keep the wood from changing color. As for the frequency of the application, consult your teak dealer as to the recommended application frequency for your climate.

Whether you are purchasing teak furniture for an investment or to simply enjoy, you can be assured that your furniture will be of the highest quality when buying from a reputable dealer.

Indonesia Outdoor Furniture by Rich Ahlgren