When it comes to outdoor furniture that stands the test of time, Westminster Teak is a name synonymous with quality, sustainability, and timeless design. This American company, which designs, builds, and imports high-end furniture from Indonesia, has mastered the art of creating pieces that not only endure through the years but also maintain their beauty and functionality in even the harshest environments. Whether you’re furnishing a luxury yacht or your backyard patio, Westminster Teak offers products that embody the perfect blend of practicality and elegance.
Teak has long been revered for its durability and natural resistance to the elements. The wood’s high oil and silica content make it exceptionally resilient against rotting, warping, and splitting, ensuring that it withstands sun, rain, and snow with minimal maintenance. This resilience is why teak is the material of choice for luxury yachts around the world, where it graces decks and trims with a timeless, polished look.
However, as Mal Haddad, Vice President and Head of Design and Development at Westminster Teak, points out, teak’s true beauty is revealed when it is left untreated. Over time, the wood weathers to a graceful gray patina, requiring only a gentle scrub with dish soap and water every few months to keep it looking its best. This natural aging process not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the furniture but also highlights the wood’s intrinsic qualities—its grain structure and high oil content that ensure its longevity.
In an industry often driven by fleeting trends, Westminster Teak stands out for its commitment to timeless design. Haddad’s design philosophy is rooted in the belief that good design should be as relevant today as it was 50 years ago, and will remain so 50 years into the future. This approach is evident in every piece of furniture the company produces, from the sleek lines of its dining sets to the understated elegance of its loungers.
Haddad draws inspiration from his own experiences, including his recent trip to Singapore, where he saw teak furniture in his childhood home that looked as good as it did over a century ago. This enduring quality is what Haddad and his team strive to replicate in every piece of Westminster Teak furniture. The focus is not on trendy styles that quickly become outdated but on creating designs that are both practical and aesthetically pleasing for decades.
Beyond its commitment to quality and design, Westminster Teak is deeply invested in sustainability. The company sources its teak from certified plantations managed by the Indonesian Ministry of Forestry, ensuring that the wood is harvested responsibly and with full transparency from forest to showroom floor. This commitment to sustainable sourcing is part of a broader dedication to environmental stewardship, reflected in the company’s participation in initiatives like Nusa Hijau, the Indonesian Chapter of the Global Forest Trade Network (GFTN), an initiative of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
By aligning itself with these initiatives, Westminster Teak is not only supporting the fight against illegal logging and the promotion of biodiversity but also ensuring that the livelihoods of those working in the fields and factories are protected. Haddad emphasizes that true sustainability encompasses both environmental and social responsibility, and Westminster Teak’s practices reflect this holistic approach.
Investing in Westminster Teak furniture is not just about acquiring outdoor furniture; it’s about embracing a philosophy that values craftsmanship, sustainability, and timeless beauty. Haddad believes that product knowledge is key to understanding the investment value that a beautifully crafted piece of teak furniture brings. While the company retains some of its classic designs, the design team continually innovates, creating furniture that evokes simple sophistication and casual elegance.
In the end, Westminster Teak offers more than just furniture—it offers pieces that become part of your life’s story, growing more beautiful with time, just like the wood itself. Whether you’re looking to furnish a high-end marina, a luxurious patio, or a serene garden retreat, Westminster Teak provides furniture that embodies the principles of durability, sustainability, and timeless design.
With Westminster Teak, you’re not just buying furniture; you’re making an investment in quality, beauty, and the future.
