There are few home accessories or furnishings that can realistically be viewed as holding their original value or appreciating. High quality genuine teak will appreciate as it ages. If you are lucky enough to have been the recipient of antique teak wood 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 close-grained. The wood must be free of blemishes or knots and must 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) as the paint or stain will seal in the rich teak oil. If the teak is painted or stained, it is possible to restore the wood to its original state.
Look at the wood grain. The highest quality teak has a very tight grain, is smooth to the touch and does not splinter. Teak that has been left outdoors will change from a rich honey brown hue to a silvery gray. Many people mistake this shade to mean that the wood is damaged, and some even take it as a sign that the wood needs to be painted or stained.
If you are unsure of the appraised value of your teak furniture, you can have your pieces appraised by a professional furniture appraiser. Make sure the person you select to appraise your teak is someone who has appraised teak furniture.
How do I maintain the value of my teak furniture?
One of the reasons people select teak furniture is the quality and longevity of the teak. Teak is actually a wooden piece of furniture that can be seen as an investment.
When looking for teak furniture, it’s important to buy genuine teak from a reputable dealer. Some less reputable dealers have been known to sell “Teak-like” wood. Keep all purchase documentation for your teak chairs, tables or outdoor furniture in a safe place to document its original value and purchase information.
Never stain or stain your teak furniture. Doing so will permanently damage the wood. If you don’t want your teak to develop the silver patina, you can apply genuine teak oil to the pieces to prevent the wood from changing color. Regarding application frequency, ask your teak dealer for the recommended application frequency for your climate.
Whether you are buying teak furniture as an investment or simply to enjoy it, you can be sure that your furniture will be of the highest quality when you buy it from a reputable dealer.
