Many Australian homeowners are becoming very conscious of the impact that their home design choices have on the environment. This concern for sustainability in manufacture and design extends to the purchase of outdoor tables and seating. Teak has always been a popular choice for outdoor furniture because of its natural beauty, but it also has some excellent green credentials too. Here are a few examples.

It's a very durable timber

There are two main reasons why teak is such a long-lasting and hardy timber variety. The first is the dense structure of the wood grain, which makes it difficult for external factors like moisture to penetrate. The second reason is the very high level of naturally occurring oils which teak contains. The oils, combined with the structure of the timber, make it almost impervious to water damage, rot, and decay.

As an added bonus, the qualities which make this wood so durable also make it virtually maintenance-free. Teak doesn't need to be sanded, oiled, varnished or otherwise treated to remain smooth and weatherproof. This is a significant reduction in your home's resource needs.

Having timber furniture that will last for decades is a critical element for any sustainability claims. Furniture made from less durable timber will need to be replaced far more frequently than furniture made from teak. This is a drain on natural resources and contributes to environmental damage through the manufacturing and shipping processes.

It's a sustainable timber

Like many hardwoods, teak grows naturally in rainforests. However, unlike some other hardwoods, it is also grown very successfully in plantations. The demand for ecologically sound timber has seen teak plantations flourishing in parts of Asia and India. This means that the naturally occurring teak is left alone, along with the rainforest eco-system that it grows within.

Teak plantations themselves are another great green boon. Every tree that grows to maturity traps a considerable amount of carbon from the environment which is then stored within the timber. While the tree grows it is also pumping oxygen into the air. While this process stops once the tree is harvested, the mature trees are quickly replaced with new growth so the oxygen production continues with very little interruption.

Choosing timber over other materials such as plastic or steel will always be a more environmentally conscious choice when it comes to outdoor furniture. Choosing A grade teak over other types of timber takes the green credentials of your home to the next level and still provides you with a beautiful and stylish design element for your home.