Are You Sitting on a Rotting Time Bomb? Why Cheap Wood Fails

Cheap wooden garden furniture is tempting. It looks the part (at first), is easily affordable, and promises a quick fix for outdoor living. But what you save upfront, you pay for later in replacements, repairs, and frustration.

In this blog, we reveal the hidden truths behind bargain wood – and what to look for instead if you want furniture that truly lasts.

1. Weathering weakens

British weather can be unpredictable. One week it’s scorching sun, the next it’s driving rain, swiftly followed by frost. And cheap wood can’t cope. Most budget-friendly wood like pine or acacia soak up moisture, swell, and split. When you add UV exposure to the mix, they can fade and crack within months.

But teak wood outdoor furniture is different. Its dense grain and natural oils act as a built-in shield, repelling water and resisting sun damage. It stays strong, stable, and beautiful, whatever the forecast.

Teak furniture table

2. Short lifespan equals more waste

You might think you’re saving money with cheap wood, but when you’re replacing your set every couple of summers, the cost adds up - not just financially, but environmentally too.

Teak, on the other hand, is built to last. A teak garden furniture set can serve your home for decades, ageing gracefully and resisting the rot that sends cheaper options to the skip.

3. Looks fade fast

Budget wood might look great straight out of the box, but don’t expect that showroom finish to last. Without natural oils or proper treatment, it greys unevenly, splinters, or flakes with very little provocation.

Even the pieces in our ex display garden furniture clearance can outperform bargain alternatives when the wood is quality, and teak proves that.

Teak chairs

4. Poor construction

Many lower-cost furniture sets are assembled with weak joints, poor hardware, or questionable finishes. They’re mass-produced quickly and cheaply, prioritising price over longevity. This means even moderate use can loosen joints, cause wobbly legs, or worse – a full collapse.

Compare that with a solid teak dining set, traditionally built with mortise and tenon joints and finished to endure the years.

Why Teak Doesn’t Rot (And Never Will, If Cared For)

Teak naturally contains high levels of oils and rubber-like resins that:

  • Repel moisture and prevent internal rot
  • Resist fungal growth and wood-eating insects
  • Minimise warping, splitting, and cracking
  • Withstand extreme sun and cold without degradation

This is why teak is trusted across the globe – and why, here at Royal Finesse, we only work with SVLK-certified teak that’s ethically and sustainably sourced.

Ex display garden furniture clearance

Our handcrafted collections are built to outlast trends and outsmart the weather. Whether you’re shopping new or browsing our ex display clearance garden furniture sale, you’ll discover timeless quality and lasting peace of mind.

Ready to leave rot behind? Explore our teak collection today and invest in garden furniture that truly lasts.

Back to News