WHY TEAK, BAMBOO, AND RATTAN ARE THE FUTURE OF SUSTAINABLE FURNITURE MATERIALS

✍️ Written by
Jodi Martin

📅 Published on
June 21, 2025

Sustainable Material Furniture — Natuzz Ohme, Kamicu

Sustainable material have become the pinnacle of the home decoration and furniture industry. We’ve noticed a clear shift toward natural material. Consumers are making more conscious decisions about what they buy. Many now favor eco-friendly products that offer both beauty and functionality.

As natural material become the cornerstone of sustainable furniture, material such as teak, rattan, petrified wood, onyx, and bamboo are celebrated for their durability, renewability, and minimal environmental impact. These material not only have longevity but are also from easily renewable sources. Teak wood, known for its natural resistance to weather and termite, are top choices for indoor and outdoor furniture.

Rattan, for instance, is climbing in popularity because of its lightweight yet sturdy character, ideal for creating intricate furniture pieces. Petrified wood and onyx also bring a sense of stability and agelessness, while bamboo stands out for its ability to rapidly grow.

THE BENEFITS OF NATURAL MATERIAL

Sustainable Material Furniture 2 — Natuzz Ohme, Teak Wood Material

Opting for furniture made from natural material significantly reduces the environmental footprint. When these material are biodegradable, and sourced sustainably, they also require less resources to process compared to material that are synthetic. Sustainable material also contribute to healthier indoor air quality by minimizing emissions of organic compounds. Furniture made from natural material also lasts longer than synthetic material furniture, due to the composition of natural material.

For example, it is common to see luxury outdoor furniture made completely from teak wood, as teak wood has natural protection against termite, bugs, and even weather, thus not requiring synthetic finishing or constant maintenance.

WHAT SUSTAINABLE MATERIAL SHOULD I CHOOSE?

Choosing the type of material for your furniture can be difficult, even though all these sustainable material are environmentally friendly. Choosing the right one for your space can be tricky. Here are some materials that are usually used for sustainable furniture in indoor or outdoor spaces.

Sustainable Material Furniture 3 — Natuzz Ohme, Bamboo Furniture

BAMBOO

known for its remarkable combination of lightness and strength, boasting a tensile strength that rivals many hardwoods. Its natural flexibility allows it to be shaped into curved or woven designs, making it a favorite for both structural and decorative furniture. As one of the fastest-growing plants on Earth, bamboo reaches maturity in just 3 to 5 years, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional timber.

Indoors, bamboo is commonly used for chairs, tables, flooring, and decorative panels, lending a sleek, modern, or tropical aesthetic. Outdoors, it works well for fencing, pergolas, and garden furniture, provided it has been properly treated to resist moisture. Economically, bamboo is an affordable option compared to hardwoods, and its growing popularity in sustainable design has further boosted its commercial value, particularly in markets prioritizing green material.

Sustainable Material Furniture 4 — Natuzz Ohme, Rattan Furniture

RATTAN

Prized for its lightweight yet sturdy nature, as well as its incredible flexibility, which allows artisans to craft intricate woven designs. Unlike solid wood, rattan is breathable and comfortable, making it a popular choice for seating and textured accents in home décor. Similarly fast-growing like Bamboo, it is more sustainable than slow-maturing hardwoods and is often handwoven, supporting traditional craftsmanship.

Indoors, designers often use rattan for chairs, sofas, baskets, and lighting fixtures to add a touch of bohemian or tropical charm. While natural rattan doesn’t handle prolonged outdoor exposure well due to moisture sensitivity, synthetic-coated versions work well in covered outdoor areas. Economically, rattan is more cost-effective than solid wood, making it a favorite for casual and rustic furniture. Its production supports cottage industries across Southeast Asia, where skilled weavers create handmade pieces that carry cultural and artisanal value.

Sustainable Material Furniture 5 — Natuzz Ohme, Teak Furniture

TEAK

Earns its reputation for durability through natural oils that fight rot, pests, and water damage. Its strength allows it to handle harsh outdoor conditions without warping, cracking, or breaking down. Over time, its golden-brown hue naturally transforms into a graceful, silvery patina with timeless appeal.

FUTURE PLANNING FOR SUSTAINABLE MATERIAL

Teak often features in high-end indoor furniture, bringing warmth and sophistication to any space. Outdoors, it is the premium choice for patio sets, decking, and even marine applications like boat decks, where its weather-resistant properties shine. However, teak’s slow growth—requiring at least 25 years to mature—makes it a luxury material with a higher price point.

Luckily, with far-sighted planning from the Indonesian government and to protect this natural competitive advantage, there are consistent replanting and anti-deforestation programs, which allows for long-term and sustainable use of Teak wood. Its strong demand in international markets, especially from tropical regions like Indonesia and Myanmar, ensures its continued economic significance.

Furniture made from natural material brings more than warmth—it embodies sustainability, durability, and a connection to nature. These material require fewer resources to produce than synthetic ones and help reduce waste and indoor air pollution. They are long-lasting, often serving generations while maintaining their beauty and strength. Their versatility allows them to enhance any space, indoors or outdoors, blending in naturally and timelessly.

Choosing sustainable material for indoor or outdoor furniture isn’t just about style, it’s also an investment in the planet. By embracing natural resources, we create living spaces that are both beautiful and environmentally responsible. This proves that true luxury can exist in harmony with the Earth.