Buying Guides Outdoor Living Patio Furniture

Teak Outdoor Chairs: A Summer Buyer's Guide

The right chair changes everything about a patio. It is where you drink your morning coffee, where guests linger after dinner, where a summer afternoon quietly slows down. For naturally durable seating with a warm wood finish, teak outdoor chairs are in a class of their own.

This guide walks you through the characteristics of teak, the main styles of teak chair, and how to pick the right one for your space.

Why teak is the gold standard for outdoor chairs

Teak is a naturally durable wood suited to outdoor furniture. We use legally sourced teak from Perhutani-managed plantations in Indonesia. Our Indonesian supplier operates under the applicable Indonesian timber-legality requirements. Follow the care instructions for the particular chair and its intended use.

Untreated outdoor teak gradually develops a silver-grey patina. Natural teak can change colour with exposure and develop small surface checks. Colour change alone does not establish the condition of the furniture. If a crack grows, a joint loosens or the item becomes unstable, stop using it and contact ARB Teak for assessment. Do not apply teak oil, varnish, paint, stain, wax, sealants or other finishing products to your natural teak. Follow ARB Teak’s care instructions and the applicable warranty terms. See the ARB Teak care instructions.

The main styles of teak outdoor chair

Folding chairs and armchairs — the flexible everyday choice. They tuck away for winter, travel to the dock, and pull out instantly when company arrives. Browse our teak outdoor chairs.
Loungers and steamer chairs — for reading, sunbathing and slow afternoons. Adjustable backs and textilene options add resort-level comfort. See the teak loungers.
Chair & table sets — the fastest way to furnish a dining or conversation area with pieces that already match.

How to choose the right teak chair

Measure your space first. Leave roughly three feet behind each chair so people can push back and stand comfortably. For small balconies and condos, folding chairs are your friend.

Match the chair to how you actually live. Dining every night? Prioritize supportive armchairs. Weekend lounging? A steamer or adjustable lounger earns its place. Hosting big groups? Stackable and folding chairs give you flexible overflow seating.

With appropriate care and suitable use, teak furniture can last for many years, including beyond the five-year warranty period. Actual service life depends on the product, exposure, use and maintenance. Our five-year limited warranty describes coverage for eligible defects; it is not a limit on how long teak can last.

Caring for your teak chairs

Clean natural teak with fresh water, a small amount of mild dish soap and a soft-bristle brush. Brush gently with the grain, rinse thoroughly and allow the top and underside to dry. Contact ARB Teak before using another cleaner. Clean according to exposure and use rather than relying on a fixed annual schedule. Follow the ARB Teak care instructions.

Want the botanical background? Here is a primer on teak wood and why its density makes it so weather-resistant.

Teak outdoor chairs: frequently asked questions

How long do teak outdoor chairs last?

Can I leave teak chairs outside all winter?

Protect outdoor teak furniture from strong wind, heavy snow loading, persistently wet ground and trapped moisture. If covering it, use a breathable cover with ventilation; do not wrap it tightly in plastic or an unventilated tarp. If storing it, choose a dry, unheated shed or garage when practical.

Why do teak chairs turn gray, and can I stop it?

Untreated outdoor teak gradually develops a silver-grey patina. Natural teak can change colour with exposure and develop small surface checks. Colour change alone does not establish the condition of the furniture. If a crack grows, a joint loosens or the item becomes unstable, stop using it and contact ARB Teak for assessment. Clean natural teak with fresh water, a small amount of mild dish soap and a soft-bristle brush. Brush gently with the grain, rinse thoroughly and allow the top and underside to dry. Contact ARB Teak before using another cleaner.