How To Spot Quality In Teak Outdoor Furniture

By Author: BALI-Be A Little
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Teak is frequently regarded as the top choice for outdoor furniture. It's strong, naturally weather-resistant, and beautiful to look at. But not all teak is created equal. The rise in demand has brought a range of products to market, and while some are built to last decades, others won't see out a second summer.

So how do you know you're buying the good stuff? Here's how to spot true quality when it comes to teak outdoor furniture.

Look for A-Grade Teak
The first indicator of quality is the grade of teak used. Genuine A-grade teak is obtained from the heartwood of fully grown trees. It’s dense, golden in colour, and rich in natural oils that give it superior resistance to water, pests, and decay.

In contrast, lower-quality teak is typically harvested from younger trees or the outer layers of sapwood. It may be lighter in colour, more porous, and prone to cracking or warping over time.

At Be A Little, all of our teak furniture is crafted from sustainably sourced A-grade teak. Whether you're looking at the Ara Recta Coffee Table, the Vento 3 Seater, or the Aspen Side Table, you’ll see and ...
... feel the difference in the grain, colour, and weight of each piece.

Examine the Finish
A well-made teak piece doesn’t need to be overly polished or sealed with synthetic coatings. High-quality teak features a naturally smooth texture and uniform color. The oils in the wood protect it against the elements, meaning it can be left untreated to weather into a silver-grey patina or oiled periodically to maintain its golden hue.

Beware of furniture that looks overly orange, shiny, or lacquered. These treatments are often used to enhance the appearance of lower-grade timber but may flake or wear unevenly over time.

The Alpha Round Side Table is a perfect example of a clean, refined finish that shows off the natural beauty of teak without hiding behind varnish.

Check the Construction
Joinery tells a big part of the story. High-quality teak furniture is built using traditional woodworking methods, such as mortise-and-tenon or dowel joinery, which hold up better over time than screws or brackets.
Run your hand along the joints.

There shouldn’t be any gaps, splinters, or signs of filler. Pieces like the Gera Dining Table 280 are designed with structural integrity and visual balance in mind. Even the underside is considered.

Also, check the weight. Good teak is dense and heavy. If the piece feels suspiciously light, it’s likely not made from solid A-grade teak.

Evaluate the Design for Practicality
Quality teak furniture doesn’t just look good. It works well. Design matters. Legs should be stable and well-anchored, surfaces should drain water easily, and components like slats or extension mechanisms should function smoothly.

Take the Ara Extension Dining Table – Stainless Steel. It’s more than just attractive. The teak slats are spaced to allow for water runoff, and the extension mechanism is built to glide easily, even after years of use outdoors.

Look for small signs of thoughtful design. Rounded edges are safer in family settings, raised feet allow for better airflow, and tapered legs improve stability.
Consider the Source
Ethical sourcing is part of what makes teak furniture high quality. Responsible manufacturers use wood from certified plantations, not from illegal or unregulated logging operations. Look for FSC certification or direct statements about sustainability practices.

Be A Little works exclusively with trusted suppliers in Indonesia who follow sustainable harvesting practices. Our commitment is not just to durability, but to responsibility, and you should expect nothing less from any brand selling premium teak.

Look at How It Ages
One of the most beautiful things about teak is how it ages. It develops a soft, silvery tone and smooth texture, and can handle decades of sun, salt, and rain. A good piece should hold its form and function even as its appearance evolves.

The Dorus Side Table is a piece that looks just as handsome fresh out of the box as it does after a few years in the elements. That signifies quality design and genuine materials.
Final Thoughts
Spotting quality in teak furniture is about knowing what to look for. It's found in the texture, the heft, the build, and the style. It’s in the care taken with each joint and the integrity of the wood. Most of all, it's in how the piece holds up over time.

At Bali - Be A Little, we don’t cut corners in design, in material, or finish. We believe in outdoor furniture that ages with grace and serves with purpose. If you’re investing in teak, make sure it’s built to last. The charm is in the craftsmanship.