Pros and Cons of Using a Teak Shower Bench
A teak shower bench makes an excellent addition to any bathroom. Shower benches have various uses. They add to overall bathroom comfort and safety. The bench provides some welcome relief if you’re weak from illness. It makes it easier to shower without tiring you out. A shower bench allows you to relax as you spend time in the bathroom. Elderly or disabled family members are sure to find a shower bench a valuable bathroom aid. If you’re considering teak for a shower bench, below are some pros and cons.
Advantages of Teak
Moisture-Resistant
Teak is among the top-rated hardwoods for bathroom usage. The wood holds up well to frequent exposure to moisture. Teak produces a natural patina after some exposure to water. The patina acts as a protective glaze for the wood which adds to the durability of the bench.
Resilient
Teakwood is one of the strongest hardwoods you can select for your furniture needs. It does not easily chip, splinter, or crack. Due to its strong properties, teakwood has been one of the top choices of wood in the boating industry. Teakwood can make you a stable and comfortable shower bench that will last you a lifetime.
Durable
Furniture made of teak lasts several years. Even when used in the bathroom, teak has a remarkable long life span. That is due to the high resistance to water of the wood. The tropical hardwood is also rot resistant. Additionally, the hardwood is rich in natural oils that gives it a high resistance to bugs, which makes it ideal for the often humid bathroom environment.
Enhances Bathroom Décor
Teakwood is beautiful. Well made teak bathroom furniture stands out due to the natural beauty of the hardwood. A teak shower bench adds style and elegance to your bathroom. The natural appeal of the hardwood also enhances your bathroom ambiance. With time, the patina develops into an attractive silver-gray color that enhances the beauty of your shower bench.
Easy to Clean
To clean your teak bench, simply wash it with mild soap and water. Use a soft brush to clear away the dirt and rinse the bench well. Allow the bench to dry completely, preferably in open air.
Disadvantages of Teak
Stains
Teakwood requires special care to maintain its color and appearance. Water marks and stains are likely to develop on the bench with time because of constant exposure to moisture. These marks give the bench an uneven color, which spoils its fine appearance.
Periodic Treatments
With time, teakwood changes from its natural honey color to a silver-gray color due to the patina. If the wood isn’t treated, the silver-gray color deteriorates to a greenish look that some find unattractive for wood. To prevent these extreme color changes, sand the surface and apply oil treatments periodically. The bench must be completely dry before you apply oil treatments. That may mean doing without your bench for several days, which may be an inconvenience.