The fastest-growing category in the North
American furniture industry is outdoor living.
Industry reports show year-over-year increases in gross sales and
revenues for outdoor furniture. Not
surprisingly, those of us who moved to Vallarta spend more time outdoors than
indoors. This behavior warrants
revisiting how we allocate our furniture budget. This is ample evidence that we should spend
more on our outdoor furniture than indoor.
Why not invest in furniture that you are going to use the most?
One of the tips we give new condo owners in
Vallarta is to forgo purchasing indoor dining furniture. Dining furniture, including a six-person
table and six chairs, can run MXN 30,000/ USD 1500. You can reallocate these funds to buy better
quality outdoor dining furniture that will withstand the elements.
Keep in mind that well-made outdoor
furniture tends to be more expensive than indoor. The main reason is due to the materials used
to manufacture the furniture. Materials
that avoid sun fade, do not rot or rust and are insect-repellent are more
expensive. This results in a higher
retail cost.
Although outdoor furniture is made from
many materials, one material is favored – teak wood. This wood furniture is natural, long-lasting
and stunning. Teak, or teca en Espanol,
is a tropical hardwood. This tree
species is native to south-east Asia.
Today, you can find many teak plantations in Latin America.
Teak wood has properties that make it an
excellent option for outdoor furniture frames and tables. It is one of few wood species that has a high
natural oil content making it termite resistant. It also makes it less likely to dry out and
crack or split. Teak wood’s dense fiber
and tight grain make it less likely to absorb water and rot. It also makes it highly resistant to fungi
and mildew.
No surprise then that teak wood has been
used for over 2000 years in boatbuilding.
Some of the most beautiful boats in the world are made from or have teak
wood components. Teak wood is also used
for cutting boards, countertops, indoor flooring, window frames and of course,
for furniture.
In addition to being tough and resilient,
it is also beautiful. It has a rich
golden brown grain with a few natural imperfections – just enough to give
character. You can choose to let your
teak wood furniture age naturally, and it will transform into a beautiful
weathered-grey piece. Those who prefer a
coastal décor theme will love this natural look.
Or, you can maintain the natural golden
brown color with regular teak oil treatments.
Although some people opt to do treatments every 3 to 6 months, this is
not necessary. Most people find that
they only need to treat the wood once per year.
The treatment is simple. Just
apply teak oil with a soft cloth and leave it to dry.
Teak furniture will last a lifetime with a
little care. Should you tire of your
furniture and want to change it for something new, it generally commands a good
resale value.
When shopping for teak furniture, be wary
of any items marketed as “teak-oiled” or
“teak-covered.” These are
alternative options that will not offer the same benefits as genuine teak. Since it is difficult to know just by looking
whether the item is real teak or a teak-alternative, always buy your teak
furniture from a known and trusted retailer or brand. Ask for warranty information to ensure the
item you are purchasing is real teak.
The manufacturer we use and recommend gives a lifetime warranty on their
teak furniture!If you are looking for durable outdoor
furniture, insect resistant, long-lasting, with only minimal upkeep, teak is a
great solution. Taking into account all
these benefits, it is well worth its additional cost.
Do you have questions about furniture and
décor for your home in Vallarta Nayarit?
Whether it is what material to buy, where to find it, or discuss the
latest styles, come by our store at 363A Constitucion just off Basilio Badillo
(where the buses are). Or email me at
sa.novak@solutionsmexico.com. Always
happy to help!