Traditionally every teak supplier and manufacturer usually will tell you the grade of the teak being used to make their outdoor furniture. These days most of aggressive online retailers have stopped mentioning the grade instead they start by saying they are using solid 100% government plantation teak. This is another way to confusing you the consumer. Most of them are using a lower grade teak and staining it to look like more like the universal teak color you have seen here and there.
It is important to understand the grading system of the teak wood. The teak wood grading system as A, B and C is based upon quality and age of the trees used.
A Grade Teak Wood
Teak wood graded A is wood taken from the center of the trunk where the teak oil is more concentrated. It has very little color variation and almost no knots. It can be produced from trees aged 25 year plus. Most of the government plantation trees are harvested as A grade. This top grade wood is used to make products used in extreme environmental conditions like boat decks, marine industry, outdoor patio furniture and other outdoor products. It is the most expensive teak wood and getting harder to acquire these days.
B Grade Teak Wood
If the tree is younger than (15 to 25 years) their center piece is considered as a B grade wood. It also may have more knots and color variation. It is also plantation teak wood from private growers and cheaper than from government plantations. It is commonly used for indoor furniture because most of the indoor furniture is stained or colored and will not be going through harsh weather .
C Grade Teak Wood
Most of cheap teak comes from local farmers and possible not sustainable. There are no age limitations they often cut their trees at a very young age. It is 50 to 70% cheaper than Government plantation A grade teak wood. This grade of teak is used for indoor furniture or handicrafts etc.
Finish Teak
If the teak furniture made with properly process wood It does not need any further protection, sealing or oiling. When you finish A grade teak with teak oil or teak protector you still will see the grain of the wood and it's variations. If you use teak stain it may hide the color and grain of the teak. Many manufactures who use lower grade teak add multiple stains to hide the grain and color variation to make it look like higher grades.