The Outdoor Furniture Material You Should Always Look For At The Thrift Store

If you enjoy shopping for good deals on desirable, one-of-a-kind materials, you've probably discovered the thrill of visiting thrift stores and browsing the aisles. You might get lucky and discover some thrift store finds that everyone is searching for. Whether you want designer clothing or interesting collectibles, you can often find them at a thrift store, saving significant money compared to buying them new or at a traditional retail store.

Early spring can be a popular time of the year to purchase high-quality outdoor furniture for thrifters and those purchasing new products alike. Because new outdoor furniture product designs arrive in early spring, people who purchase new products often take their slightly used outdoor furniture to the thrift store after upgrading, giving you a chance to snag a bargain.

Just because you're thrifting doesn't mean you have to accept lower quality products that aren't going to last. If you focus on looking for high-quality products that contain the best types of wood for outdoor furniture, you'll receive the best value for your money. Teak is one of those wood materials that is highly recommended to use for outdoor furniture because it stands up to harsh elements while resisting moisture rot and insect infestations. Although it's not always easy to find teak outdoor furniture at thrift stores, it helps to know what you're looking for.

If you're on the lookout for teak outdoor furniture at a thrift store or garage sale, you need to watch for certain characteristics to help you identify it. Because teak is highly desirable in outdoor patio furniture, manufacturers will attempt to make cheaper wood resemble teak. Some outdoor teak furniture will have a label that identifies the manufacturer, helping you track down the origination of the piece, but finding a label is not something you can count on when shopping at a thrift store.

The first clue is the heft of the material. Teak is heavier than other types of wood. It is also significantly harder than pine, cedar, and fir. Harder wood will be more resistant to scratches and dents, helping you identify it over a cheaper, softer material in used pieces that may show some damage in a thrift store. Teak is also highly resistant to moisture because its natural oils and resins don't allow water to soak into the wood. If you spill water on teak furniture, it should remain on the surface of the wood.

Real outdoor teak furniture should also have a surface sheen, but it won't be too bright or overwhelming. Teak furniture has long, straight wood grain patterns that are not exactly the same in each piece of lumber in the furniture. Imitators will have almost identical grain patterns across the surface.

Teak wood outdoor furniture can be pricey, ranging from $2,000 to $30,000 for a new set, which makes it a highly desirable find at a much lower price at a thrift store. Its properties ensure it will thrive in many different climates, meaning you can safely store it outdoors in any weather. One thrifter on TikTok, @Jerlynntorres, says you should focus on outdoor furniture pieces made of teak over most other woods because of teak's durability. "They just tend to do the best under the sun and harsh elements," @Jerlynntorres says in a TikTok video.

Teak is also desirable in outdoor furniture because it requires very little maintenance and resists mold and mildew formation. You shouldn't have to treat it with coatings or oils to give it protection against UV rays from the sun.

Outdoor teak furniture may turn gray as it ages, which some people find desirable. The patina on the wood almost resembles a silver color as the wood's surface interacts with the air over years. You do not have to do anything to the wood if you like the grayish color. If you want to restore the brown color to thrifted pieces, simply sand the wood it in the direction of the grain and wash it. For a fresh honey-brown color, apply a sealant to the wood.