The return of teak: why it’s still the king of high-quality outdoor furniture

Durable, elegant, sustainable: the tropical wood that never goes out of style

In recent years, outdoor furniture has seen a surge in innovative materials: powder-coated aluminum, woven technical fibers, recycled polymers. Yet, amid this rush toward technology, one natural and time-honored material continues not only to endure but to reassert itself as a symbol of quality and durability: teak. Today more than ever, this tropical wood from Southeast Asia plays a leading role in outdoor living projects, thanks to its ability to combine beauty, performance, and sustainability.
Teak is an oily wood, naturally rich in resins and oils that make it resistant to moisture, insects, salt, and extreme temperature changes. These characteristics make it ideal for outdoor furniture, where constant exposure to the elements can severely test less robust materials. Unlike other types of wood, teak requires no aggressive treatments or frequent maintenance to preserve its integrity over time.
From an aesthetic standpoint, teak offers a warm, natural color that gradually weathers to a sophisticated silvery gray when left untreated. This evolution is not a flaw but part of its charm. Many designers choose to embrace this natural process, incorporating teak into minimalist, Mediterranean, or contemporary environments.

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Precisely because of these characteristics, many high-end collections continue to highlight teak in the structures and details of outdoor furniture. A clear example is offered by the lines from Higold Milano, which in several collections combine teak with advanced materials such as aluminum and high-performance fabrics, creating a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation.
The result is well-balanced outdoor furniture, suitable for both urban environments and natural settings. The presence of teak in armrests, tabletop surfaces, or structural accents enhances the sense of comfort and authenticity, offering a tactile and visual quality that few other materials can match.
Another key strength of teak is its sustainability, especially when sourced from FSC-certified plantations or other traceable origins. Today, many companies in the sector — including Higold — pay close attention to the provenance of materials, promoting a responsible use of natural resources.
In a world that is rediscovering the value of outdoor living with an eye toward environmental impact, teak stands out not only as a stylistic choice but also as a conscious one. It is a material that tells a long story of resilience, elegance, and respect for nature — and for that reason, it remains, even today, the undisputed king of high-quality outdoor furniture.

INFO/PHOTO COURTESY: Higold Milano

Chiara Mattavelli