Next up in our on-going exploration of garden furniture – what's long-lasting and affordable – I have to show you my teak bench. Sure it's more expensive - I paid $320 for it about 20 years ago, fully assembled and retail – but then I did absolutely nothing to it and it still looks perfect to this day! Up close you'd see that it's smooth, with no splinters – truly amazing. It’ll certainly outlast me..jpg)
Ah, but is teak sustainably harvested? Planet Green sums it up nicely for us – " Two out of the three species of teak are endangered, and all have been subjected to unsustainable forestry practices for decades", so mostly, no. If you have your heart set on it there IS a certification for sustainable harvesting of teak and one company that's attained it is East Teak.
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The teak patio furniture bought years ago, but within the time of raised awareness, was advertised as "being responsibly harvested." Is there a place where consumers can see a list of teak furniture companies with certifications such as East Teak?
Thanks
Cameron
Cameron, there's info about the certification on this page:
http://www.certifiedhardwoods.com/environmental.html
Teak is very common as decking on old wooden sailing ships and, with a daily deck wash using salt water, lasts at least 100 years. I wonder how much the lifespan of wood can make up for the way it was harvested? If something made of teak lasts 5 times something made of pine, does it end up being more sustainable anyway?
Teak wood usually is pretty long lasting.
I understand Great American woodies offer some good selection of teak furniture ranging from rocking chairs, porch swings & benches.
Agreed with Susan, certifiedhardwoods.com does offer some good advice on environmentally friendly wood selection.
Jay Chua
Pubsliher, PorchSwingSets.com