Teak wood has long been a prized material among the wealthy and powerful. Native to the tropics, the teak tree is commonly found in the Southeast Asian nations of Thailand, Burma, Malaysia, and most commonly, Indonesia. The Dutch, who colonized the region in the 17th century, used teak wood for shipbuilding due to its superior quality. It is said that the first teak furniture was made from the recycled deck boards of decommissioned ships. In some cases, objects made from teak have been found intact after more than 200 years.

There are few, however, who take their teak more seriously than those in Indonesia. The government, since the mid 20th century, has been dedicated to managing the country’s valuable natural resource through official teak plantations. Each year a pre-determined number of trees are cut and replaced by new ones planted in their place.

Teak is an extremely dense grained hardwood with a beautiful rich golden color. Characteristics of teak include strength, durability, and resistance to insects, rot, and decay. It has high natural oil content, which continually preserves the wood, hence its use in wet/dry applications.

Teak is the most exported lumber for high-end furniture in the world. Teak has a reputation for its enduring qualities in all weather conditions and low maintenance requirements. Furnishings built from teak combine functionality, beauty, and durability.

Teak weathers beautifully when untreated and left outdoors, without the risk of rot and decay. When left outdoors to age, the elements will gradually change the color of the wood from rich golden brown to a soft silvery grey finish. Teak furniture can be passed on for generations and years to come.

THE A.B.Cs OF TEAK WOOD

Teak wood is available in 3 different quality grades: A, B, and C. This is important to know as each grade plays a key role in the performance and durability of the furniture the teak wood is made into. At first glance, you might think all teak looks the same. But remember, looks can be deceiving! Let’s look at what makes the grades different from one another.

But first, a quick lesson on trees.

1. Trees grow out from their center. This makes the heartwood (center of the tree) the oldest, the strongest, and the most oil-rich part of the tree.
2. The outer layers are greenwood (or sapwood). Sapwood is the part of the tree that transports water from roots to leaves, making it the wettest part. It is not old enough to have developed any natural oil.

Why does this matter? Because wet wood warps and contains none of the natural properties to protect itself from mold, mildew, or insects. So, just how can you tell this wood apart?

GRADES OF TEAK

Grade A: Hewn from the heartwood of a fully mature teak tree (40-80 years old), grade-A teak is of the highest possible quality. It’s antibacterial and virtually immune to rotting.

Grade B: Between the heartwood and the sapwood lies grade B teak. Of lesser quality, grade B teak contains considerably less oil than grade-A teak, meaning it will require constant protective treatments.

Grade C: This grade teak is the part of the tree that was living when felled, which contains no similar characteristics to its grade A counterpart. It will be susceptible to weather and insects and despite constant maintenance, it will eventually warp and break.

HOW TO CARE FOR NATURAL, GRADE A TEAK?

First Time Use: Wash using a good quality plastic bristle brush, dish soap, and water.

1. Use a constant flow of water
2. Go in the direction of the grain

After: Periodically remove accumulated residue using a plastic bristle brush and fresh water while showering and when cleaning the whole shower. Don’t forget to flip your shower benches and mats over to get at any residue that has accumulated underneath.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU ADD OIL?

Adding any kind of oil or synthetic product on top of the natural teak creates a barrier where mold and mildew thrive. Once you start oiling your teak, you’ll never stop. You’ll become trapped in a maintenance cycle you will quickly regret.

So now you know: Once a client opts for a well-made, grade A shower bench or mat, there’s not much more they need to do but relax and enjoy their spa-like shower experience — and clean every once in a while.

And any suggestion that natural grade A teak requires regular maintenance beyond mild soap and a bristle brush is either lack of knowledge, hiding inferior quality wood, or will compromise the quality of the piece.

We truly believe the more you learn about teak, the more you will not only come to see it as the only solution for bath and spa furniture but also come to fall in love with it – like we have!

Click here to see all lessons from ARB Teak’s educational series focused on teak and the innumerable benefits of working with teak in the bathroom. From wood grades and craftsmanship, to versatility and maintenance, you’ll know why buying only 100% natural grade A teak is so important.

Teak requires little maintenance. However, used directly in the shower, soap scum may accumulate under your teak mat, bench, or accessories. Using a bristle brush, scrub gently underneath in the direction of the grain. Be sure to lift your mat and clean the bottom section as well. Rinse well with fresh water and let your teak dry regularly, especially in areas where there is little or no air circulation, such as enclosed shower stalls.

Very little soap accumulation will show on top of benches. Once in a while, use a bristle brush, scrub gently underneath in the direction of the grain to remove soap accumulation. Rinse well with fresh water and let your bench/accessory dry regularly, especially in areas where there is little or no air circulation, such as enclosed shower stalls.

No! ARB Teak products are made only of quality teak wood which has a high natural oil content. When left 100% natural, the teak does not require any protection from the weather, elements, or pests. It inherently has everything it needs to take care of itself. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need a special “teak cleaner” or “teak oil” to take care of your teak – ever! In fact, adding any kind of oil or synthetic finishing product on top of your natural teak will create a barrier where mold and mildew will thrive.

A bristle brush and dish soap. Using a bucket of mild soap and warm water, brush in the direction of the grain, then rinse with fresh water and allow to dry in the open air. If your teak requires deeper cleaning, use a teak cleaner or a stronger brush. If your teak was neglected for years, you can sand it down with 220 sandpaper. You can use an electric palm sander if needed. Our products are made of 100% teak, not laminated.

No, your teak will not weather to gray if it is used indoors. If your bench or mat is used outdoors such as in an outdoor shower, your teak will weather naturally to a beautiful silvery-grey patina. How fast it will weather depends on the location of your outdoor shower and the exposure to the elements such as sun, rain, and snow.

Installing the plastic gliders included with your bench is optional, that’s why we don’t install them directly. We recommend installing the gliders to prevent soap residues and the natural oils of teak staining light-colored grout and porous tiles and surfaces which are prone to staining. They also allow more air circulation and help dry the bottom of the legs. Drill a small hole before installing them, otherwise, the legs may crack.

We offer a 2-year limited warranty. ARB Teak products are guaranteed to be free from defects in workmanship for 2 years. If, after inspection by an ARB representative, a product is found to be defective, it will be repaired or replaced at the discretion of ARB Teak.

If oil, varnish, or other chemical product was applied to your ARB Teak product, your warranty is no longer valid.

This warranty does not cover damage caused by abuse, misuse, negligence, or normal wear and tear. Wood is a product of nature, therefore normal aging and exposure to sunlight, household solvents, and products can cause variations in the color of the teak and are not to be considered a defect. Normal expansion and contraction in the wood can cause hairline cracks which will not weaken the product and are not to be considered defects.

We source only certified ecologically grown and harvested timber from government-managed plantations in Indonesia.