With such a vast array of materials available for the manufacture of superyacht furniture and furnishings, making the right material choices to suit the design, style, function and practicality requirements aboard is super yacht is never an easy decision. Ultimately, the choice lies with the individual it’s based entirely on the personal tastes and budget of the decision-maker on board.

The basic line of yacht furniture items – dining and occasion tables, sofas, armchairs, sideboards and furniture sets – along with complementary furnishings and accessories, can make a remarkable difference to the overall look and feel of a superyacht furniture, and help to define its separate rooms and/or areas. Yachting Pages spoke to Summit Furniture and Gosling Marine about the factors influencing the selection, care and maintenance of marine furniture, especially when set out on the deck in the elements.

Why traditional teak wood furniture is so suited to life on board a superyacht made of fibre glass. Teak is highly valued because of its beautiful grain and colour, and is preferred in shipbuilding and furniture-making. Teak is strong and durable, almost immune to decay and contains oil that is resistant to insects. Furthermore, teak is resistant to prolonged sun exposure, unlike its plastic alternatives, and can be more comfortable to sit on than plastic and metal furniture, which often get hot in the sun. For these reasons and more, teak wood is also often the material of choice for heavy-duty and deck furniture aboard the world’s superyacht fibre glass fleet.

Alternatives include iroko wood – a cheaper and faster-growing African teak with similar characteristics, but teak is not the only choice, composite materials can also be incorporated into furniture design, with each combination of materials having properties specific to the particular application. The majority of furniture and furnishing suppliers are today aware of the expectation for ethically and environmentally sourced materials; it’s therefore worth explaining your preference for such materials before working with any new business to guarantee their suitability.