Designers Say Teak Outdoor Sofas Are "Incredibly Gorgeous" — Here's Where to Buy the Best-Looking Ones This Year

Experts say teak outdoor sofas are more than worth it, but not all are created equal, so pay attention to the details to find the right one for your yard

best teak outdoor sofas
(Image credit: Wayfair; Kathy Kuo Home; Crate & Barrel; CB2; Pottery Barn)

Teak outdoor sofas cost a pretty penny. No matter how you flip it or spin it, teak is a high-quality wood with high-end prices to match. But are teak outdoor sofas worth the investment? Short answer: yes.

Renowned as some of the best looking outdoor furniture for the cost, a teak outdoor sofa will also last longer than any other type, especially if you invest in one from the best outdoor furniture brands. According to architect and interior designer Priyanshi Jain, teak outranks any other wood for its durability, providing ‘immense sturdiness’ and easily withstanding harsh weather.

Perhaps even more important to a style-obsessed individual like myself, Rafi Friedman, President of Coastal Luxury Outdoors, says that teak outdoor sofas are also ‘incredibly gorgeous.’ ‘The grain of the wood and the different shades of brown that can come out are well worth the price,’ he notes — a stark contrast to run-of-the-mill outdoor sofa frames made of metal or wicker, which feel quite lackluster in comparison.

How do I know? Well, I’ve spent hours in-store and online assessing all things teak. With an eye for timeless styles and knowledge of quality construction (my background is in design), trust that you're in good hands.

With proper maintenance (more on that later), a teak outdoor sofa ‘can last long and be a great addition to your garden,’ architect and interior designer Priyanshi Jain explains. But which one to choose?

Fortunately, making tough shopping decisions like these is my full-time job. My selection below is based on personal experience, real customer reviews, and hours of market research. So, if you're tired of comparing the specs yourself and still feeling confused, know that the hard part is already done. No suspicious retailers — these are Livingetc's favorite outdoor furniture brands. All that's left is for you to take a seat.

15 Teak Outdoor Sofas to Suit Every Budget

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FAQs

What should I consider when shopping for teak outdoor sofas?

When shopping for teak outdoor sofas, Mick Quinn, Co-Founder and Director of Raft Furniture, notes that not all teaks are created equal. ‘Firstly, choose reclaimed teak wherever you can,’ he urges. ‘This is a no-brainer for the eco-conscious.’ Sidebar: for what it's worth, I actually prefer the characterful look of reclaimed wood.

Next, acknowledge the authenticity of the teak and choose timeless sofa designs, Mick suggests. ‘An over-engineered, trend-driven piece undermines the forever furniture potential that defines teak.’ Why? Well, according to the furniture expert, ‘Once teak has been over-engineered it loses its charm and authenticity.’ Keep these tips in mind and you'll have a beautiful teak outdoor sofa that will not only last a lifetime but remain forever in style.

How should I care for teak outdoor sofas?

According to Milly McEwan, Product & Design Manager at RJ Living, teak outdoor sofas (and teak more generally), 'doesn’t need too much maintenance.' However, to keep the wood looking as beautiful as possible, she recommends 'cleaning it with soapy water and teak sealer to protect it from the elements.' And whenever you can, Milly urges to avoid using any harsh chemicals 'to preserve the integrity of the wood.'

Do I need to oil a teak outdoor sofa?

No, avoid oiling teak outdoor sofas. It won't really help preserve the longevity of the wood, but will tie you into more maintenance than you would have had to do otherwise. It may even cause side effects like mildew to form on your furniture.

Are teak sofas expensive?

You'll struggle to find good quality teak sofas for under $1,000 in all honestly, but that speaks to the material's quality. If you don't have that sort of budget, investigate acacia wood furniture instead. It has a similar look to teak, but is a lot cheaper while looking expensive, helping to stretch your budget.

What you will find though is that acacia isn't as hard-wearing as teak, and while teak will endure outdoors for a long time to come, acacia wood may need replacing at some point. Having said that, acacia wood can probably last up to 10 years if looked after properly.

Julia Demer
Style Editor

Formerly covering fashion at L’Officiel USA, style maven Julia Demer brings her love of design to Livingetc’s world of interiors. As the title’s New York-based Style Editor, Julia's work reflects a sharp eye for detail and an innate passion for aesthetics. Her journey began with a strong foundation in design, honing her craft at renowned establishments like The Row and even establishing her own eponymous fashion brand. Julia’s design background is evident in the way she thoughtfully curates shopping edits, always maintaining a focus on emerging trends while preserving timeless sensibilities. For Julia, fashion and interiors go hand in hand, reflecting her lifelong commitment to perfecting the art of style.