Teak – Designed for Outdoor Living Video

Q: Why is teak considered one of the best timbers for outdoor furniture?

Teak contains natural oils that help protect the timber outdoors and reduce the likelihood of splitting or cracking over time. This makes it particularly well suited to outdoor environments.

Q: Does teak furniture need to be brought indoors during summer?

No. Teak outdoor furniture is designed for outdoor use, and when paired with outdoor fabrics and quick-dry foam, many pieces can remain outside throughout the summer season.

Q: Why does teak turn grey?

Teak naturally develops a silver-grey patina as it is exposed to sunlight and weather. This is a normal ageing process and is often considered one of the material's most appealing characteristics.

Q: Can I restore teak's golden colour?

Yes. If you prefer the original golden appearance, specialist teak cleaning products can help restore much of the timber's natural colour.

Q: What materials pair well with teak?

Teak works beautifully alongside charcoal powder-coated aluminium, creating a balanced combination of natural warmth and contemporary design.

When it comes to creating an outdoor space that feels both sophisticated and welcoming, few materials have the enduring appeal of teak. For decades, it has been the benchmark for quality outdoor furniture, valued for its natural beauty, durability and ability to age gracefully over time.

In this video, Jayne Cross-Hunter, Furniture Category Manager at McKenzie & Willis, shares why teak remains one of her favourite materials for outdoor living and what makes it such a worthwhile investment for New Zealand homes. Drawing on her product expertise, Jayne explains how teak performs outdoors, how it can be styled, and why it continues to be a leading choice across our outdoor collection.

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What Makes Teak Ideal for Outdoor Furniture?

Not all timbers are created equal when it comes to outdoor use.

According to Jayne, teak's greatest strength lies in the natural oils found within the timber. These oils help protect the wood outdoors and play an important role in preventing splitting and cracking, even when exposed to changing weather conditions.

This natural resilience is one of the key reasons teak has become the material of choice for high-quality outdoor furniture around the world. Unlike many alternatives, it is specifically suited to outdoor environments and designed to stand the test of time.

The Warmth Only Natural Timber Can Bring

One of the qualities homeowners love most about teak is its appearance.

Timber introduces a sense of warmth and natural character that is difficult to replicate with other materials. Teak's rich golden tones help soften outdoor spaces and create an inviting atmosphere for entertaining, dining or simply relaxing outdoors.

As interior design trends continue to embrace natural materials, particularly in kitchens and living spaces, teak also helps create a stronger connection between indoor and outdoor living. The result is a more cohesive flow throughout the home.

Styling Teak Throughout Your Outdoor Space

One of teak's greatest strengths is its versatility. Across the McKenzie & Willis outdoor collection, teak is used in dining tables, dining chairs, sofas and occasional furniture, making it easy to create a cohesive look throughout your outdoor living areas. Whether you're furnishing a compact courtyard, a poolside retreat or a large entertaining space, teak provides a timeless foundation that works across a variety of settings.

While beautiful on its own, teak also pairs effortlessly with contemporary materials. One of Jayne's favourite combinations is teak with charcoal powder-coated aluminium, where the natural warmth of the timber contrasts beautifully against clean, architectural lines. The result is an outdoor aesthetic that feels sophisticated, modern and enduring, particularly in homes where outdoor spaces are designed as a seamless extension of the interior.

Understanding Teak's Natural Beauty Over Time

One of the qualities that makes teak so distinctive is the way it ages. When new, teak displays a rich golden colour that brings warmth and character to outdoor spaces. Over time, exposure to the elements gradually transforms this golden hue into a soft silver-grey patina, a natural process that can begin within the first year. Many designers and homeowners consider this weathered appearance one of teak's most appealing features, appreciating the sense of character and maturity it brings to the furniture.

The good news is that teak is also remarkably easy to maintain. If you love the silvered look, very little intervention is required. If you prefer the original golden tones, specialist teak cleaning products can help restore much of the timber's natural colour. As Jayne explains, maintaining teak is straightforward and achievable for most homeowners, making it a practical choice as well as a beautiful one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is teak considered one of the best timbers for outdoor furniture?

Does teak furniture need to be brought indoors during summer?

Why does teak turn grey?

Can I restore teak's golden colour?

What materials pair well with teak?

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