Are Teak Coffee Tables Sustainable?
Teak wood is well known for its durability, beauty, and resistance to water, making it an ideal choice for garden furniture. However, as many of us become increasingly aware of the importance of sustainability for our planet, you may be wondering if teak coffee tables are sustainable.
In this guide, we’ll be exploring the sustainability of teak coffee tables, and how you can ensure your teak garden furniture is sourced responsibly.
How Sustainable are Teak Coffee Tables?
The answer to the question ‘are teak coffee tables sustainable?’ depends on the way in which the teak is sourced. Teak coffee tables can be sustainable when the teak has been sourced responsibly.
Unfortunately, woodlands and forests around the world are being illegally ravaged, causing devastating results to the wildlife and their eco-systems. As a result, the Indonesian government has taken steps to stop this by managing their tree plantations.
This involves diligent supervising of the age, size and number of trees cut down from each plantation as well as strict replanting programmes such as Trees4Trees, a non-profit organisation that Mr Teak supports.
The best teak wood comes from mature trees that are a minimum of 40 years old. This wood is then harvested from these trees by cutting them down, and new trees are planted to replace them.
Sustainable teak plantations ensure that the harvesting of trees is done in a responsible way, without causing harm to the surrounding ecosystem. They also ensure that the local community benefits from the employment opportunities created by the teak industry.
Not only do they work towards reforestation, but they also strive to educate society about the impact of logging on communities and the environment.
Another factor to consider is the transportation of teak wood. Since teak is primarily grown in Southeast Asia, transportation to other parts of the world can have a significant carbon footprint. However, when teak is sourced from sustainable plantations, the carbon footprint is reduced, since the trees are grown and harvested locally.
How to Check if Teak Furniture is Sustainable
When it comes to shopping for teak furniture, such as coffee tables, it is important to check that the teak has been sourced sustainably. One way to check is to look for SVLK certification.
SVLK (Sistem Verifikasi Legalitas Kayu) is a certification system for wood legality in Indonesia. It is an independent verification process that ensures that wood products come from legal and sustainable sources.
SVLK is internationally recognised as a credible certificate and it covers the entire supply chain, from the forest to the end product, and includes verification of the legality of harvesting, transportation, processing, and trade.
At Mr Teak, we are committed to sourcing our teak wood from sustainable plantations. We believe that by doing so, we can help support the teak industry while also protecting the environment. Our teak coffee tables are crafted with care and precision, using only the highest quality teak SVLK certified teak wood.
In addition to being sustainable, teak coffee tables are also incredibly versatile. They can be used both indoors and outdoors, and their natural beauty adds warmth and elegance to any space. Teak wood is resistant to weather, pests, and rot, making it an excellent choice for outdoor furniture that can withstand the British elements.
By choosing teak furniture from a company like Mr Teak, you can enjoy the beauty and durability of teak wood while also supporting sustainable forestry practices. So you can enjoy your morning coffee on a teak coffee table, knowing that you're making a responsible choice for both your home and the environment.
