When it comes to outfitting your backyard, there is a distinct difference between buying outdoor furniture and investing in an outdoor lifestyle. At Sissonne Outdoor, we believe that your patio deserves the same level of quality and longevity as your living room.
If you have been browsing outdoor furniture, you have likely noticed a wide range of wood options—from Eucalyptus and Acacia to Pine. While these cheaper woods might look appealing on the price tag, they often lead to disappointment after just a few seasons of exposure to the elements.
There is a reason Sissonne Outdoor exclusively uses premium, sustainable teak for our wooden collections. Here is why teak is the only choice for durability, your wallet, and the environment.
The "Buy Nice or Buy Twice" Reality
It is tempting to opt for cheaper timber alternatives, but low-cost wood comes with a hidden cost: replacement.
Cheaper hardwoods lack the natural density and oil content required to survive outdoors. Over time, they warp, crack, shrink, and rot when exposed to rain, sun, and temperature shifts. Teak is different.
The Teak Difference
Teak (Tectona Grandis) is a dense, tropical hardwood native to Southeast Asia. Historically, it was the timber of choice for shipbuilding.
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Why does this matter? If teak can withstand the harsh, salty, wet conditions of the open ocean for decades, it can certainly handle your backyard barbecue.
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Natural Resistance: Teak is naturally resistant to rot, fungi, and termites.
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Self-Preserving: Even when cut and dried, teak retains natural rubber and oils that act as a built-in weather shield. It does not require heavy varnishes just to survive.
When you buy Sissonne Outdoor teak, you are buying furniture engineered by nature to last upwards of 100 years.
Sustainable Luxury: The Sissonne Standard
We know that durability shouldn’t come at the cost of the planet. While teak is the superior material, not all teak is harvested responsibly. Irresponsible logging gives the industry a bad name, which is why we hold ourselves to a higher standard.
Is Sissonne Outdoor Teak Sustainable? Absolutely. We are committed to a closed-loop cycle. At Sissonne Outdoor, we prioritize sustainable teak sourcing. We ensure that our timber comes from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits to the local communities.
When you shop on our website, you aren't just buying a table or chair; you are supporting a system that respects the earth and ensures teak forests are preserved for future generations.
How to Spot the Sissonne Difference
Not all "teak" on the market is created equal. Some retailers sell "teak-oiled" wood (which is actually a cheaper wood with a stain) or low-grade sapwood. Here is how to identify the premium quality you will find at Sissonne Outdoor:
1. The Weight Test
Real, high-quality teak is dense and heavy.
The Sissonne Test: When your Sissonne Outdoor furniture arrives, you will notice the heft immediately. It feels solid and grounded. If a chair feels light and flimsy, it isn’t premium teak.
2. The Grain and Texture
Our teak has a tight, straight grain. Because of the high oil content, the wood should feel sleek and almost buttery-soft to the touch—never splintery or rough.
3. The Scent
High-quality teak has a distinct, earthy, almost leather-like fragrance. This is the scent of the natural oils that will protect your furniture from rain and pests for decades to come.
4. The Water Beading
Thanks to those natural oils, water shouldn't soak into new teak immediately. It should bead up on the surface. This is nature’s waterproofing at work.
Living with Teak: What to Expect
One of the most common questions we get at Sissonne Outdoor is: "Will my furniture change color?"
The answer is yes, and it is part of the wood's beauty.
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Golden Honey: When your furniture arrives, it will have that classic, warm golden-brown hue.
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Silvery Grey: Over time, as the teak is exposed to the sun and elements, it will naturally patina into a stunning, elegant silvery-grey.
This color change is cosmetic only. It does not affect the strength or integrity of the furniture. In fact, many designers prefer this silver-grey look as it blends beautifully with outdoor landscapes.
Maintenance Made Simple
Because Sissonne Outdoor uses premium teak, maintenance is incredibly low.
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To keep it silver: simply keep it clean with occasional scrubbing to remove dirt.
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To keep it gold: If you prefer the original honey color, you can apply a teak sealer or protector annually.
The Verdict: Is Teak Worth the Investment?
When you calculate the cost per use over a lifetime, teak is the smartest financial decision you can make for your outdoor space. While you might replace a pine or acacia set three or four times over a decade, your Sissonne Outdoor teak set will still be standing strong.
Combined with our premium, weather-resistant fabrics and corrosion-resistant marine-grade hardware, our furniture is built to be the last patio set you ever need to buy.
