Wood Outdoor
Wood Outdoor
Is Teak Wood Outdoor Furniture Right For Me?
You are contemplating your first purchase of Teak Furniture and you are wondering if you making the right decision? Well, you are and in this quick article, I will explain why I believe that.
If you already use Teak Wood in some of your favorite outdoor furniture, then this article will just be fun information for you to know and share with your friends when they ask you, "why did you buy Teak Wood" versus ?????.
It is no surprise, or it should not be, that Teak Wood has been the favored wood for generations. The secrets of this wood are out and they have been for a long, long time.
First, a little history lesson: (You will love this part)
It is not a well known fact, but is has been written that the Chinese have been renowned sailors for generations. Many of their ships were built and designed to not only sail in the oceans, but also to move up river. Much of the trade then, was done several thousand miles up river and not out in the ocean. These ships needed to be versatile, durable, and tough.
The wood used to build these early Chinese ships was Teak. It is also said that the Chinese shipbuilders would bury the wood logs in moist soil for years prior to building their ships. This made the wood much stronger and impervious to anything that could be encountered on the high seas, including enemies. Why was this important? It was important because approx. 600 years ago the Chinese were set out on a task by the Chinese Ming dynasty to sail to the edge of the world. Apparently they circumnavigated the world several times. But this is going off to another subject. Let's get back to the subject at hand (I'll bet you didn't know that you would actually be learning something too?).
Later in years, British naval ships were made from Oak, also a very hard and durable wood. The British encountered two problems with oak: Wood Worms and a lack of Oak trees. Woodworms were destroying the ships in the British Naval Fleet. Woodworms were the scourge of wooden ships throughout history. It could take 850 oak logs to repair one ship. It took a little over 2000 oak logs just to build one ship. The British needed ships as they continued for some time to have maritime issues with the French, and to be able to go on to conquer and take control of British colonies. The British naval fleet was their primary means to accomplish this.
The Oak supply in Europe was being quickly depleted. They knew about the Teak wood used on the Chinese ships and how rugged they were after having run into them, literally in the shipping lanes. The British had learned how impervious these ships were to all of the elements at sea: Saltwater, ocean wind, and the blistering sun. It was also learned then that Teak was found to not to splinter when hit by gunfire or artillery fire. This was a very important issue as splintering wood was the chief cause of casualties among naval warfare in the eighteenth century.
Britain was very interested to grow and produce this wood. The British quickly realized they did not need to grow Teak Wood as they could annex those countries where the Teak wood was grown and have a plentiful supply. India, Thailand and Burma were quickly annexed into the British Empire. It is not to say this is why the British took over these areas, but it certainly helped to give reason. Myanmar (formerly Burma), which is just south of India, and Yangoon became the first places where Teak was being harvested for British ships. Calcutta was set up as another British shipbuilding site. All of the British merchant ships built in Calcutta were built with Myanmar Teak logs which were said to be the best. Once the wood was depleted from India, logs were harvested from Thailand and Burma.
Teak forests were quickly being depleted. Teak was now the preferred wood used for building ships, Yachts, Ocean liners and furniture. Under ocean conditions, the wood had very little shrinkage or warpage. This meant little maintenance. The wood was also impervious to wood rot and insects, like the mighty woodworm. The famous Ocean liner "Queen Mary" used no less than 1000 tons of teak when built. The British quickly realized the depletion that was taking place and developed a re-forestation plan. They appointed a leader to head this new bureau and began replanting Teak trees on what are now called Teak "plantations". A set of very strict laws were enacted regarding who can cut Teak Wood and who can purchase it. Once these laws were set in place, one needed to have permission from the British Government to be able to cut a Teak Tree down and or export it.
Teak was also being used by the locals for huts, fence posts, and furniture. India is the third largest importer of Teak today, behind China and Japan. As much as 80% of India's timber consumption is Teak. The wood is used in India today for local consumption; building homes, furniture, fencing, etc. It is the one wood that can withstand the monsoons, the blistering heat and the humidity. It is the wood that all other timber species are compared to.
Teak Wood contains natural oil and Silica (sand) which makes it impervious to insects, and wood rot. These substances also help it to maintain it luster for many, many years, but make it a little more difficult for the manufactures as their blades tend to dull sooner.
When many of the English ships of WWII were taken apart for salvage, the Teak Wood decks were re-manufactured into outdoor furniture like park benches. Even today they can be seen in many parts of Europe still functioning.
Most of the Teak grown today is grown on Plantations that are governed by the local governments. The demand for Teak is growing at an estimated 10% per year. Teak is a heavily regulated (and rightfully so) commodity, and is sold through the auction process. Teak is not very easy to get. There are regulatory permits that must be purchased and other expenses that go along with regulation. For example, once purchased, it is usually the purchasing companies' responsibility to provide transportation if the wood is to be exported and certain countries have regulations on how many logs can be exported. Currently, Java, Indonesia is the largest exporter of Teak. There are several companies that are located in Java that will process and fashion the Teak into furniture, or planks for flooring or siding, and then export the finished item or semi finished item to countries around the world.
Teak grows very rapidly but still takes approx. 50 years to mature. Many countries are reviewing the possible rotation after 30 or 40 years. This is mainly due to the large demand for Teak. The consensus with this rotation is that the wood will not be inferior at that rate. There are some countries that are trying tree rotation after only 25 years. The results are timber that is smaller in diameter, color, and grain.
So, when add it all up, you get a much better understanding not only of what the hype about Teak Wood is all about, but the numerous qualities of Teak Wood and the supply and demand side of Teak Wood.
Many people for generations have been enjoying the warm benefits of owning Teak Wood products. Outdoor Teak Wood furniture is a Standard for many families and in many gardens, terraces, patios, verandas, ships, and yachts around the world. If you are investing in outdoor furniture, you really owe it to yourself to step into the world of Teak.
About the Author
Michael Ochoa operates
Macs Teak Furniture
website. This website specializes in sales of
Quality Teak Outdoor Patio Furniture
and provides free shipping anywhere in the United States.
Why would water be flowing out of my discharge tube on my hot h20 heater? We heat with an outdoor wood boiler?
We have an outdoor wood boiler. We heat our hot water heater with this. We have not had any problems until now. Once the temp on the boiler outside hits 185 then the water starts to come out of the discharge tube on the hot water heater in our garage. I mean run out. Maybe so far today 3 gallons. Once the temp goes down alot cooler on the boiler maybe 110 then the water stops coming out of the tube. The hot water tank is only 3yrs. old.
I'd guess you have the temperature set too high (130 is the recommended max) and the pressure is building up in the tank until it does what it is supposed to, relieve it through the discharge tube.
Wood Outdoor
Fredericia Parkour Park Opening & Freerunning Jam 2010
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Glider Bench Wood Grain $229.99 Glider Bench Comfortable, Durable, Low-Maintenance Enjoy the simple things in life with garden furniture from Lifetime. The Glider Bench is the ideal garden bench for enjoying the backyard scenery you have worked so hard to create. Because of the lightweight design, the Glider Bench is easily moved around the yard--- wherever the afternoon takes you. With a 48 in. frame and a comfortable 44 in. wide seat, the Glider Bench provides the perfect accommodations for relaxing with a tall glass of lemonade. With a rust-resistant powder-coated steel frame and UV-protected high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic surface, this patio glider bench will be a comfortable attraction in your yard or garden for many years. Special Features Two color options: Putty and Wood Grain Material: Powder-coated steel and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic Dimensions 34 inches to top of back; Total width 48 inches; Bench width 44 inches; Depth 28 inches; 51 pounds Easy to clean! Just use mild soap with a soft-bristled brush 2 year limited warranty Lifetime Products, Inc. has applied innovation and cutting-edge technology in plastics and metals to create a family of affordable lifestyle products that feature superior strength and durability. The world's leading manufacturer of folding tables and Chairs, Lifetime was founded as the maker of portable basketball systems that revolutionized the industry with patented technology. With new offerings such as outdoor sheds and utility trailers, Lifetime continues to develop innovative products that outfit the lifestyles of today's Americans. Garden.com is proud to offer the superior quality and craftsmanship of Lifetime Products, Inc. |
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Wood Grain Rain Catcher $130.49 Wood Grain Rain Catcher Reduce Your Water Bill Today with a Rain Catcher Let the environment work for you, with our Wood Grain Rain Catcher. Its design allows it to fit into corners, conserving space, which is a big concern for many homeowners. If you have a little more room, link two or more together with the included linking kit. The Wood Grain Rain Catcher features a debris screen keeping leaves and bugs out. Rain barrels are easy to use and make a great way to begin conserving resources. Special Features Made of UV stabilized Polyethylene Features removable debris screen Built-in four foot hose with thumb valve Link two or more together in seconds A common sense conservation tool Dimensions: 32" H x 22" W x 16" D Low Price Guarantee Achla Designs, a Garden Accessories company, emphasizes unique, hand forged, wrought iron, European furnishings for the home and garden. Items range from small hooks and brackets to large pavilions and arbors. They also offer birdbaths, birding & garden pole systems, trellises, statuary, composting products, and wood and metal furniture. In 2004, Achla Designs introduced the Williamsburg Collection, offering reproductions as well as 17th and 18th century inspired designs for the contemporary home. Achla Designs continues to add beautiful and unique items year after year, resulting in an unusually large product line. |
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Is it Really Teak Wood? Caveat Emptor! (Part One)
This article contains a plethora of information and would be difficult to take in all at once. For that reason, I have broken this article into two parts.
"Caveat Emptor" is Latin for "Let the buyer beware".
If you have Teak wood outdoor furniture, there is very little you will need to do be ready for spring and summer gatherings to begin. If you purchased "teak oiled" or "better than teak wood" outdoor furniture, you may be in for a big surprise.
There are several outlets that are selling wood outdoor furniture using phrases like, "Teak oiled wood furniture". Teak oiled means just that: the wood that the furniture is made from has been oiled with Teak oil. Period. It is not Teak wood as many of us who may have purchased it would have hoped to believe.
Part of the problem is that we are all looking for the "deal". We want to pay as little as possible for high quality items so badly that we often overlook or don't look at all at what we are actually getting for our money.
What does "Teak like" furniture mean? Does that mean that the wood has high silica content like Teak wood? Does it mean that the wood will weather all the natural elements and last 75-100 years left outdoors, like Teak wood will? What exactly does it mean?
Look at this verbiage on any number of websites or in any number of stores and you will see it. Some of these outdoor wood furniture pieces that are the "GREAT DEALS" are made from a wood called Nyatoh, not Teak. It is sold as an exotic hardwood and many outlets and advertisers call it a wood which wears and behaves like teak? Go on to E-Bay and you will find sellers who are advertising it as "stronger than teak wood". In fact, that is not true.
Who are these marketers trying to kid? Guess what, they are trying to kid us all. Marketers are very good at putting spins on things to make us, the buying public, think one thing, and because we did not pay attention, it turns out to be something completely different.
Where are many of the consumers getting these great deals and purchasing their "Teak like" outdoor furniture? It is reported that many of these wood outdoor furniture sets are being purchased from big chain department stores located in each and every town across the United States, as well as local grocery and drugstores, and on the internet.
Take a look at Nyatoh versus Teak in one area of wood measurement: Durability. Nyatoh wood is generally rated as Class 3, nondurable to moderately durable, and has a low resistance to termite attack. Its sapwood is liable to powder-post beetle attack. Other woods more familiar to us with this similar durability rating are: American Cherry: African mahogany: Japanese Oak: Southern Pine: American Walnut: and Western Red Cedar, just to name a few.
Teak woods durability is classified as Class 1, Very Durable. Woods in this class include Ebony: Iroka: Makore: and Opepe to name a few. And this is just one area of measurement we are looking at, (just as a side note, class 2, which is Durable, contains familiar woods like American Oak: Balau: Sweet Chestnut: Cedar: Ekki: and Karri woods to name a few).
Nyatoh wood is protected with oil. Once treated, this wood should consistently be treated each year to maintain some protection from the elements. When it comes to Nyatoh wood, the consumer must pay particular attention to sufficiently oiling the "joints" where the protection is needed most. If water gets trapped in the joints of this wood, wood rot will begin.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with Nyatoh wood at all. It is being fashioned in very similar styles of other high quality outdoor furniture. If you are looking for the deal, make this purchase. Just be aware of what it is you are really buying. It is NOT Teak wood. You will need to maintain it differently than you would Teak wood and you may need to replace it more frequently just as you have your previous outdoor patio furniture.
About the Author
Michael Ochoa operates
Macs Teak Furniture
website. This website specializes in sales of
Quality Teak Outdoor Patio Furniture
and provides free shipping anywhere in the United States.
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Lodge Logic Skillet $59.99 The Lodge 10 1/4-inch Skillet was rated as one of the two dozen essential tools in the home and kitchen (Martha Stewart Living February 2008). We have a size and shape to meet any of your cooking needs, with assist handles for ease of movement on the stove top, in the oven or on the campfire. There are more expensive skillets on the market, but none can match the versatility, durability, and value... |
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Sanyo HPS-SG3 200-Square-Inch Electric Indoor Barbeque Grill, Black $35.00 Grilling is healthy, grilling is delicious, and now grilling is something you can enjoy all year round. This appliance is designed to be virtually smoke free, easy to clean, easy to operate and it allows fat to drain away from your food while applying those tasty grill marks.... |
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Antennas Direct DB8 Multidirectional HDTV Antenna $64.59 Antennas Direct DB8 Multidirectional HD Antenna DB8 Television Accessories... |
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La Crosse Technology Weather Direct WD-3308U-WAL 4 Day Internet Powered Wireless Forecaster $34.29 THE ENEMY WIND is one of The Weather Channel's most popular documentaries. It deals with tornadoes, their behavior and how they are generated. As it explores our historical relationship with tornadoes, THE ENEMY WIND discusses recent research into improving our ability to forecast storms and shows the work of a group of nerveless adventurers, the tornado chasers. This video explains how researcher... |
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