Teak iis chiic!!

There is nothing more inviting than a teak recliner at the end of a warm spring day, and La Place has the area's best selection!

From gardening magazines to the latest issue of Crate and Barrel, teak furniture has become America's choice for outdoor furnishings. Hendrik and Maria Engel, owners of La Place USA Interiors, has never known any different. As a child growing up in Holland, Maria said she could remember looking up at the balconies along the canals in Amsterdam and seeing all the beautiful soft gray chairs and tables.

This life-long appreciation for teak led them to open La Place USA Interiors. La Place sells teak, mahogany and woven home furnishings from 3 convenient locations; Pensacola, Destin and Fairhope.

"Teak works wonderfully because it is the only wood capable of retaining its natural oils after being cut," they explained. "Every other wood will eventually dry, rot and crack. It is the most durable wood that exists." That's why you will find teak on up scale (sail) boats. While Maria prefers to let the teak weather naturally, taking on a cool, gray finish, La Place also sells teak oil for those that prefer teaks original rich, brown coloring. "With time teak gradually turns silver gray, which I believe gives that final complement to our designs and creates an easy harmony within a natural environment."

Dining outside remains elegant with this lovely teak dining table and eight chairs. The selection at La Place is fantastic, offering multiple designs for dining al fresco.

Teak, like all woods, comes in different qualities, with the highest quality being used for outdoor furnishings. Outdoor living is getting more important and people want durable and low maintenance outdoor furniture combined with lush landscaping. "Teak is the leading choice for outdoor furniture", Maria says.

All teak at La Place USA Interiors is grown on the island of Java, on teakwood plantations created by the Dutch nearly 200 years ago, and now managed by the Indonesian government.

"It doesn't hurt the rainforests," she said. "Teak is starting to get rare. It takes about 25 years for a tree to grow and be ready to be harvested. The Indonesian government closed down the main teak plantations for the year 2006 because the world demand is so big. Five to 10 years from now teak will be a luxury item."

Grab and chair in the shade for a snack or a game of cards.

When purchasing teak furniture, Maria said it is important to always purchase kiln dried wood, because it is least likely to shrink over time. This guarantees that the joints stay tight. The Pensacola location of La Place USA Interiors is located at 6895 North 9th Ave and their phone number is 857-1856.