Teak and mahogany are the two timbers we are asked about most. Both are widely used for furniture made in Jepara, and both can look excellent in a hotel. The right choice depends on where the piece will live, how it will be finished and what your budget allows.
Where teak makes sense
Teak contains natural oils that help it cope with moisture and changes in temperature. That is why it is the default choice for outdoor furniture: pool loungers, daybeds and terrace dining sets. Left unfinished outdoors, it weathers to a silver-grey; with regular oiling it keeps a warm honey tone.
Indoors, teak is a good choice for pieces that take heavy wear or need to feel especially solid, such as dining tables in restaurants or headboards with carving.
Where mahogany makes sense
Mahogany has a fine, even grain and is stable once properly dried. It takes stains and lacquers very well, which makes it useful when a designer wants a specific colour across many pieces. It is usually a more cost-effective option for indoor furniture such as bedside tables, desks and wardrobes.
A practical rule of thumb
- Outdoors or near the sea: teak.
- Indoors with a painted or tinted finish: mahogany is often enough.
- Statement pieces that guests touch every day: consider teak for the parts that take wear and mahogany for the rest.
When you send us your BOQ, tell us your target budget per piece. We will suggest where teak is worth the extra cost and where another timber will do the job just as well.
