Weathering Well
On teak, time, and the long view
There is a particular satisfaction in materials that are allowed to age as they should.
All of the teak used by Munder Skiles begins its life in carefully managed plantations in Costa Rica. The climate defined by heat, humidity, and distinct wet and dry seasons. These conditions slow the growth of the tree, producing a dense, tight grain with a naturally high oil content.
It is this density that gives teak its resilience. The natural oils act as a built-in defence against moisture, insects and decay, allowing the material to perform outdoors with very little intervention.
Once made into furniture and exposed to the elements, the ageing process begins almost immediately. Sunlight lifts the warmth from the surface; rain softens it. Over time, the colour shifts from a golden brown to a silvery grey.
At Munder Skiles, joinery is designed to accommodate movement as the wood expands and contracts through seasonal change. Fixings are considered, and intention is not to resist ageing, but to allow it to happen well. In this way, teak becomes a record of climate, of care, of years spent outdoors.
