When selecting furniture for their outdoor spaces, many people purchase pieces made with teak, a hard strong durable golden-brown wood, which is both resistant to the elements and requires little maintenance.

Teak grows in the region of Southeast Asia, mainly in Java, Indonesia, and is harvested from the surrounding forests and teak plantations by the locals and the Indonesian government. The wood of the teak tree is naturally resistant to insects, warping, splintering and the elements, which makes it an ideal wood for creating furniture.

First brought to Indonesia by the Dutch in the early 1800's, teak is one of the main crops of the region. While it takes 50 to 60 years of growth before they can be harvested, the height of each individual tree can reach 150 ft. which makes for a high timber yield and a very lucrative crop. In fact, money earned from harvesting teak trees sustains thousands of families in the region.

Once the trees have been harvested, they are shipped to manufacturers in Indonesia and the America's for use in the production of beautiful, durable teak furniture that is a favorite among consumers.

Not only is teak furniture available in a wide variety of styles and pieces, teak is unique in that it can withstand the elements year after year with virtually no maintenance. With teak, there is no sealing, no staining, and no finishing. Additionally, teak furniture is virtually indestructible and versatile enough to be used in any setting.

When browsing through teak furniture you will find everything your heart desires to make your outdoor experience exquisite. You can choose from benches, chairs, tables, swings, dining sets, sofas, chairs, rocking chairs, gliders, chaise lounges and patio tables; each one beautifully sculpted and handcrafted for optimal quality and style. You can also accessorize with teak tea carts, planters and spa accessories.

Teak furniture can also be purchased in a variety of styles to compliment any decor or setting. They include: Chippendale, Derby, cottage, Normandy, Western and rustic, just to name a few. You can choose from pieces that have been hand-carved with intricate designs, or you can pick out coordinating cushions to add an element of design. The bottom line is: If you want it, you can find it in teak furniture.

While furniture made out of teak is a little more expensive than garden furniture made out of other materials (expect to spend a few hundred dollars or more on each piece), it is well worth the cost. The lack of maintenance and length of time that teak furniture remains beautiful and durable make it a better buy over the other options.

So if you are looking to customize your outdoor setting with beautiful, unique, durable furnishings, teak furniture may be the solution you've been looking for. Whether you prefer the intricately carved designs often associated with country French style or the sleek lines of the Adirondack chair, you will not be disappointed when you shop for teak furniture.

Jennifer Akre is a successful business owner of numerous outdoor furniture websites such as http://www.MoreThanTeak.com. Her sites include product and information about teak furniture and other outdoor furniture such as Adirondack furniture, for your patio or garden.