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8 Best Outdoor Teak Dining Tables for Every Style

As daffodils and snowdrops start to bloom promising a long-awaited spring, it's only natural to focus on refreshing our garden spaces. And, if entertaining is high on your list, good-quality teak furniture should be a top priority.

While ongoing developments in the design industry have led to a wider variety of weather-proof materials, age-old teak is still one of the most popular choices. Join our expert team as we explore the pros of this exceptional wood and unearth eight contemporary outdoor dining tables to suit every style.

Teak garden furniture: A timeless classic

Flip through interior design look-books from any decade and you will undoubtedly come across teak. It was in demand when bellbottoms were in fashion and still has appeal today. Here's why:

With a high content of water-absorbing silica and natural oils, it can withstand rainy weather without the use of extra sealants and won't warp or shrink over time.
Known for its durability, it can last up to 75 years without signs of wearing, making it one of the best outdoor furniture investments of all time.
Able to fend off both insects and rot, it's unlikely to succumb to decay.
Simple to conserve, you won't have to worry about sanding it down and treating it on a regular basis.
Its naturally honey-coloured hue changes over time, developing a patina that fades to a lovely silvery grey.
Sustainably sourced, most commercially manufactured teak furniture comes from well-managed forests in countries like Indonesia, India and Thailand.

Understanding teak grading

Teak is a tropical hardwood that comes from two different sources, plantation-grown and wild. While the former is cultivated on farms in Latin America and Africa, the indigenous variety is found in Southeast Asian forests. Both are suitable for furniture manufacturing and have similar qualities but there is an almost imperceptible difference if you're an educated pro. This is how it's classified:

A-grade:

Sometimes known as First European Quality (FEQ), it's the highest calibre available and is distinguishable by its rich golden-brown colour. Usually harvested from older forests, furniture is crafted from the centre of the tree (known as the heartwood), resulting in a uniform grain and lack of knots and defects.

Dense and durable, it will outlast any of the others. However, it's hard to find, can be on the expensive end of the spectrum and is not always sourced sustainably.

B-grade:

With slight colour variations and minor irregularities which include small knots and an uneven grain, this slightly lower quality of teak is perfect for outdoor furniture. Plantation-harvested and readily available, it has a lifespan of between 30 and 50 years.

If you take the time to view possible options before making a final purchase, you're sure to find something that looks flawless.

C-grade:

The most affordable of them all, this offering is usually taken from the outer part of the trunk. As this section of wood is much softer than the others, it is less suitable for furniture manufacturing. Usually crafted into picture frames and other small household items, it comes with pronounced variations in colour and texture and often displays more flaws.

Grey-aged versus golden-brown teak

To patina or not to patina, that is the question when it comes to how you want your teak to age.

With exposure to the elements and UV light, the surface oil of the wood evaporates and, with increased exposure to the sun, it will start to fade from its honey colour to a pale grey. This weathering process takes between 5 and 12 months and, although it doesn't affect the durability of the wood in any way, it does result in a more aged look.

If you prefer its original aesthetic, then you can take the following steps to prevent maturation:

Place your furniture under cover or in the shade to avoid exposure to direct sunlight.
Apply teak oil or a sealer to keep it protected.

Making a decision between the two treatments depends on several factors. Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons of both:

Teak oil

Penetrating the wood to intensify its natural beauty, it is most effective when used on furniture that's kept indoors.

The benefits:

It brings out the naturally rich tones of your teak furniture, enhancing the grain and giving it a beautifully lustrous finish.
Creating a barrier between the wood and the elements, it offers protection against any moisture preventing cracking and warping.
Easy to apply, it's a convenient choice for those who don't want to spend too much time on maintenance.
Its restorative qualities revive items that have been subjected to weathering.
It repels wood-damaging pests.

The drawbacks:

It needs to be used on a regular basis in order to maintain its efficacy.
Teak oil can darken your wood over time, altering its original colour.
It does not provide sufficient protection in harsh weather conditions, making it inappropriate if your furniture stays out in the rain.

Teak sealer

Creating a protective barrier on the surface of the wood, it's a great choice for outdoor applications.

The benefits:

It guards your furniture against the elements, warding off UV rays, moisture and other environmental conditions.
Sealing the pores, it increases durability, potentially resulting in a longer lifespan.
Able to prevent weathering, your teak collection will remain golden brown.
With less need for regular application, it minimises your maintenance time.

The drawbacks:

Teak sealer stops the natural beauty of its aging process.
The wood has to be properly prepared before the application process can progress.
High-end sealants can be costly.
Without professional application, moisture may get trapped in the wood, leading to mildew or mould.

8 Beautiful outdoor teak dining tables that will enhance your patio

At FCI London, we work with some of the world's most respected brands, bringing you a gorgeous selection of outdoor furniture that will elevate your patios. Here are our 8 top teak dining table picks:

1 - The Heritage by Point

With the capacity to seat eight, the Heritage rectangular dining table by Point features a solid wooden frame with a top in your choice of teak, porcelain or high-pressure laminate (HPL). Emanating the warmth that comes with country charm, it offers a sense of welcoming that will make your guests feel completely at home.

2 - The Cronos by Ethimo

Geometric in style and generously proportioned, the Cronos dining table has the advantage of a built-in extension mechanism, allowing you to elongate its length should you get swamped by unexpected guests. For smaller spaces, it's also available in round and square formats.

3 - The Deck by Gloster

Crafted from sustainably sourced trees grown at the company's own plantation in Indonesia, this elegant collection is defined by its slatted top and solid twin legs. With a protective cover included, it's an investment that will last you for decades.

4 - The Nettuno by Smania

Beautifully constructed and enhanced by stainless steel-tipped legs, this offering from Smania will bring contemporary chic to your outdoor spaces and is ideal for the modern home. Available in two sizes, it's on our must-have list.

5 - The Link by Varaschin

Masters of outdoor furniture manufacturing, Varaschin, view their designs as your connection to the therapeutic benefits of outdoor living. Comprising a low profile that generates feelings of relaxation, the Link collection does exactly that. Customisable in wood and a number of other durable materials in accordance with your taste.

6 - The Desert by Atmosphera

For those who love gathering, Atmosphera's round Desert table is the ideal find. Giving you the opportunity amply to seat six guests, you'll be able to enjoy your feast while chatting with every guest. It's a choice you'll be happy with for years to come. It's also one of our favourite Atmosphera dining tables.

7 - The Alaska by Skyline Design

Compact and cosy, this popular offering by Skyline Design is ideal for small patios or areas where brunch or dinner for two is on the cards. Designed by Santiago Sevillano, the balance between its wooden top and smart, powder-coated aluminium legs makes a striking addition to your outdoor ensemble.

8 - The Torsa by Manutti

An exciting combination of sturdy teak framework and faux marble top, this modern outdoor table is sure to wow your family and friends. With customisations that include natural or brushed "nero" legs and a wide selection of surface styles, you can't go wrong.

Shop luxury teak outdoor furniture at FCI London

If this exploration has raised your pulse rate, then make a showroom booking with our expert team today and we'll walk you through our selection of fine teak outdoor furniture. With plenty to choose from in a variety of shapes and sizes, we guarantee to have something you'll love no matter your taste.