Now that you understand what sets Grade-A teak apart, let’s compare it to other premium hardwoods.
Grade-A Teak vs. Other Premium Hardwoods
| Wood Type | Prestige | Outdoor Suitability | Water Resistance | Pest Resistance | Scratch Resistance | Fire Resistance | Maintenance | Sustainability | Hypoallergenic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walnut | ⚠️ Moderate | ❌ No | ⚠️ Poor | ❌ No | ❌ Low | ❌ Poor | High | ✅ Moderate | ❌ No |
| Oak | ⚠️ Common | ❌ No | ❌ Absorbs Moisture | ⚠️ At Risk | ✅ Good | ⚠️ Average | Moderate | ✅ Good | ❌ No |
| Mahogany | ✅ Classic Luxury | ❌ Fades Outdoors | ⚠️ Limited | ⚠️ Varies | ✅ Fair | ⚠️ Moderate | Moderate | ⚠️ Varies | ❌ No |
| Monkeypod | ⚠️ Niche Appeal | ❌ No | ❌ Poor | ⚠️ Moderate | ❌ Soft | ❌ Poor | Moderate | ✅ Sustainable | ⚠️ Not Ideal |
| Acacia | ❌ Low | ❌ Indoor Best | ⚠️ Some Resistance | ⚠️ Moderate | ⚠️ Moderate | ⚠️ Average | High (oiling) | ✅ Good | ❌ No |
| Rosewood | ✅ Exotic Premium | ❌ Not Ideal | ❌ Cracks Easily | ✅ Yes | ✅ Dense | ❌ Poor | Moderate | ❌ Unsustainable | ❌ No |
| Cherry | ✅ Traditional Elegant | ❌ No | ❌ Poor | ⚠️ Poor | ❌ Soft | ❌ Poor | High | ✅ Good | ❌ No |
| Maple | ⚠️ Common | ❌ No | ❌ Stains Easily | ⚠️ Poor | ✅ Hard | ⚠️ Moderate | Moderate | ✅ Good | ⚠️ Not Ideal |
| Grade-A Teak 👑 | 💎 Ultimate Prestige | ✅ Yes (Any Climate) | ✅ Natural Repellent | ✅ Yes 🐜 | ✅ Excellent | ✅ High 🔥 | ✅ Low | ✅ Sustainable | ✅ Yes 🫧 |
Lifespan & Weathering of Popular Hardwoods
A Detailed Look at How Common Woods Age Indoors and Outdoors
01
Walnut
Price Range: $$$
✓ Fine Furniture
✓ Interior Trim
✓ Cabinetry
✗ Outdoor Use
🌿 Botanical Name: Juglans spp. (Black Walnut)
⏳ Lifespan: 15–25 yrs indoors | 5–10 yrs outdoors
🏠 Indoor Sealing: Every 3-5 yrs
🌞 Outdoor Sealing: Every 1-2 yrs
🧹 Regular Cleaning: Every 6 months
💡 Avoid direct sunlight
Weathering Timeline:
Yrs 1–2: Rich brown fades with sun exposure
Yrs 3–5: Color dulls to grayish-brown
Yrs 5–10: Possible cracking if not sealed
02
Oak
Price Range: $$
✓ Flooring
✓ Furniture
✓ Structural
⚠ Outdoor
🌿 Botanical Name: Quercus spp.
⏳ Lifespan: 10–20 yrs indoors | 5–12 yrs outdoors
🏠 Indoor Sealing: Every 4-6 yrs
🌞 Outdoor Sealing: Every 2-3 yrs
🧹 Regular Cleaning: Every 3-6 months
💡 Monitor for moisture damage
Weathering Timeline:
Yrs 1–3: Light to medium brown tones darken
Yrs 4–7: Possible swelling in humidity
Yrs 8–12: Requires regular maintenance
03
Mahogany
Price Range: $$$$
✓ Luxury Furniture
✓ Fine Woodwork
✓ Marine Use
✓ Interior Trim
🌿 Botanical Name: Swietenia spp.
⏳ Lifespan: 20–30 yrs indoors | 8–15 yrs outdoors
🏠 Indoor Sealing: Every 5-7 yrs
🌞 Outdoor Sealing: Every 2-3 yrs
🧹 Regular Cleaning: Every 6 months
💡 UV protection recommended
Weathering Timeline:
Yrs 1–2: Color deepens with exposure
Yrs 3–5: Surface may begin to fade
Yrs 5–10+: Maintain finish to prevent aging
04
Monkeypod
Price Range: $$$
✓ Statement Pieces
✓ Live Edge Tables
✓ Decorative
✗ Heavy Traffic
🌿 Botanical Name: Albizia saman
⏳ Lifespan: 10–20 yrs indoors | 5–10 yrs outdoors
🏠 Indoor Sealing: Every 3-4 yrs
🌞 Outdoor Sealing: Every 1-2 yrs
🧹 Regular Cleaning: Every 4 months
💡 Keep away from moisture
Weathering Timeline:
Yrs 1–2: Color deepens beautifully
Yrs 3–5: Surface dulls without care
Yrs 5–10: Regular maintenance needed
05
Acacia
Price Range: $$
✓ Outdoor Furniture
✓ Flooring
✓ Countertops
✓ Decking
🌿 Botanical Name: Acacia spp.
⏳ Lifespan: 10–20 yrs indoors | 5–15 yrs outdoors
🏠 Indoor Sealing: Every 4-5 yrs
🌞 Outdoor Sealing: Every 2 yrs
🧹 Regular Cleaning: Every 3 months
💡 Moderate sun tolerance
Weathering Timeline:
Yrs 1–2: Tones deepen naturally
Yrs 3–5: Minor dulling begins
Yrs 5–15: Maintain finish regularly
06
Rosewood
Price Range: $$$$$
✓ Luxury Furniture
✓ Musical Instruments
✓ Fine Veneers
✗ Outdoor Use
🌿 Botanical Name: Dalbergia spp.
⏳ Lifespan: 20–40 yrs indoors | 10–20 yrs outdoors
🏠 Indoor Sealing: Every 5-7 yrs
🌞 Outdoor Sealing: Every 1-2 yrs
🧹 Regular Cleaning: Every 3 months
💡 Protect from direct sunlight
Weathering Timeline:
Yrs 1–3: Rich hues remain vibrant
Yrs 4–8: Gradual dulling if unsealed
Yrs 8–15: Regular maintenance crucial
07
Cherry
Price Range: $$$
✓ Fine Furniture
✓ Cabinet Making
✓ Interior Trim
✗ Outdoor Use
🌿 Botanical Name: Prunus serotina
⏳ Lifespan: 15–25 yrs indoors | 5–10 yrs outdoors
🏠 Indoor Sealing: Every 4-5 yrs
🌞 Outdoor Sealing: Not recommended
🧹 Regular Cleaning: Every 4 months
💡 Control UV exposure for even aging
Weathering Timeline:
Yrs 1–3: Color deepens naturally
Yrs 4–7: Surface begins to dull
Yrs 8–12: Requires protective finish
08
Maple
Price Range: $$
✓ Flooring
✓ Furniture
✓ Butcher Blocks
✓ High Traffic
🌿 Botanical Name: Acer spp.
⏳ Lifespan: 10–20 yrs indoors | 5–8 yrs outdoors
🏠 Indoor Sealing: Every 3-4 yrs
🌞 Outdoor Sealing: Not recommended
🧹 Regular Cleaning: Every 3 months
💡 Protect from moisture
Weathering Timeline:
Yrs 1–2: May darken with exposure
Yrs 3–5: Surface roughens if not sealed
Yrs 5–8: Indoor finish refresh needed
09
Grade-A Teak (The Gold Standard)
Price Range: $$$$$
✓ Outdoor Furniture
✓ Marine Use
✓ Luxury Decking
✓ High-End Decor
🌿 Botanical Name: Tectona grandis
⏳ Lifespan: 40–75+ yrs outdoors
🏠 Indoor Sealing: Optional, every 7-10 yrs
🌞 Outdoor Sealing: Optional, every 3-5 yrs
🧹 Regular Cleaning: Every 6 months
💡 Natural oils provide protection
Weathering Timeline:
Yrs 1–5: Maintains golden-brown luster
Yrs 5–20: Develops silver-gray patina
Yrs 20+: Excellent structural integrity