Nusantara Lifestyle is built on our love for reclaimed timber, the stories embedded in every piece, and a commitment to minimising our environmental impact.
But before you place an order with us — especially if it’s your first time working with reclaimed wood — there are several things you need to understand. Not because they’re problems, but because they’re part of what reclaimed teak actually is.
This is the quick, honest explainer we hope every new client reads upfront.
First up: reclaimed teak is not perfect
And it’s not meant to be.
Reclaimed teak has lived a full life before it gets anywhere near our workshop. Most of our timber comes from traditional Javanese houses and structures, meaning it’s been exposed to decades — sometimes even a century — of sun, rain, humidity, and daily use. (If you want to see exactly how we reclaim our timber, check out this video.)
Prolonged exposure to the elements makes the wood extremely strong, but we always emphasise that the history of the timber and all the ways it shows up are crucial parts of our products — and for many people we work with, they’re actually the appeal.
We’re not making brand-new, factory-made, mass-produced flat-pack furniture with plastic veneers and chemical finishes. In pretty much every way, we’re doing the exact opposite.
Small grooves, holes, patches, and repairs
You’ll often see old grooves, holes or nail marks in reclaimed teak, or notice small saw marks, old tool lines, or other surface features. We sand or fill them carefully, but they don’t disappear entirely — and we don’t try to make them either.
Sometimes small parts of the timber need to be cut out and replaced with another piece, like restoring a heritage building where only what’s beyond saving is removed. This is standard practice with reclaimed wood and ensures its strength is maintained. It’s also part of working respectfully with the material, rather than forcing it to become something it’s not or simply throwing it away.
We don’t see these details as defects, but as unique characteristics that contain stories of the timber’s past life. We see beauty in the imperfections, much like the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, which values authenticity, age, and things that aren’t trying to be perfect.
Colour variation is normal
No two pieces of reclaimed teak are the same. Some boards are lighter, some darker, some warmer or cooler in tone.
We can absolutely manage this with our eco-friendly finishes and coatings, and we do our best to create a cohesive look — but natural variation will always exist. It’s part of working with real wood, not factory-perfect timber.
Yes, timber still moves
Even though reclaimed teak is bone dry (it’s naturally dried over decades rather than in an energy-intensive kiln for a couple of weeks), it’s still timber — and all timber moves. This is because it’s not concrete or steel — it’s a natural material. When was a tree ever dead still?
Depending on the piece of furniture or decking and how it’s used, you might see slight movement over time. We design and build our furniture to allow for this wherever possible, but it’s important to understand that movement isn’t a fault. It’s just how wood behaves.
The upsides? Character, stories, strength, durability, and genuine sustainability
Here’s the part that really matters.
Reclaimed teak is incredibly strong. As mentioned above, because it’s been drying naturally for decades, it’s often more stable than new teak that’s been rushed through kiln drying. Its dense grain and tight pores mean it’s less prone to warping, cracking, pests, or absorbing moisture.
Environmentally, it’s a no-brainer. We’re only using timber that already exists, rather than contributing to plantations that damage ecosystems and take decades to regenerate, even when they’re ‘responsibly managed’. So, it’s zero greenwashing here — just working with what we already have. And we’re FSC® Recycled certified to back that up.
So, is reclaimed teak right for you?
If you want something that looks factory-perfect, uniform, and untouched by time, reclaimed teak is definitely not your thing.
But if you want furniture that’s strong, sustainable, and full of character — furniture that tells a story rather than hiding it — then you’re in the right place.
Before you place an order with us, take a moment to let all of the above sink in. If you read this piece and thought, “Yep, that sounds great,” then we’ll get along just fine.
And if you’ve got questions, just ask. We’d much rather have the conversation upfront.
Cheers,
Will Shea
Co-founder
