A well-chosen teak wardrobe combines verified timber, stable construction, useful storage, and dimensions that fit both the room and delivery route. Teak, commonly sold as *Tectona grandis*, is
Bring a room sketch, ceiling height, door-opening clearance, and the largest item you plan to store when discussing a wardrobe with a maker or retailer.
Verify the wardrobe’s timber species, whether visible and structural parts are solid teak or veneer, and how the carcass, doors, shelves, and drawers are joined. Ask for a written material schedule, kiln-drying information, and photos of construction before finishing, because a teak appearance alone does not indicate solid-wood quality or stability.
Ask the seller to distinguish solid teak from teak veneer over plywood, MDF, or other cores; either construction can be appropriate when disclosed, but they perform and price differently. For a freestanding solid-wood wardrobe, inspect consistent grain, sturdy frame-and-panel doors, drawer-box joinery, and adjustable shelf supports. Wood movement is normal, so panels should not be rigidly trapped. The USDA Wood Handbook explains why moisture and grain direction matter. A stated indoor moisture-content target of **8–12%** is a useful discussion point for conditioned interiors, not a universal guarantee.
Choose wardrobe dimensions from your room, access route, and clothing inventory rather than exterior appearance. Measure wall width, ceiling height, skirting, door swings, and lift access; then specify hanging height, shelf spacing, drawer count, and internal depth. Leave operating clearance in front of doors and ensure the cabinet can enter the home safely.
Start with the largest garments: long dresses and coats need more hanging height than shirts, while folded linen benefits from shallow, reachable shelves. An internal depth of roughly **45–60 cm** generally accommodates hangers, but confirm your hanger width and door thickness. Measure at least **2–3 mm** of practical clearance around drawers and doors for smooth operation, while recognizing maker tolerances vary. A deep cabinet can overwhelm a narrow bedroom, and a tall cabinet may fail a stairwell turn. Record these measurements in the purchase order, alongside left- or right-hand door opening and any removable crown or base.
Inspect a teak wardrobe for square alignment, stable joinery, smooth drawer travel, even door gaps, and a finish suited to its location. Open every door and drawer, check shelves under realistic load, and ask what hardware and coating are used. Good fit and serviceable components matter more than a uniform showroom sheen.
Check the wardrobe on a level floor: doors should close without rubbing, drawer fronts should sit evenly, and the cabinet should not rack when gently pressed at a corner. Traditional mortise-and-tenon, dowel, or well-engineered mechanical joints can all work when accurately made. Ask whether hinges are adjustable and whether replacements are obtainable. A clear oil, wax, lacquer, or polyurethane finish changes repairability and moisture resistance; request a sample offcut to see the actual colour. Keep the wardrobe away from persistent direct sun, plumbing leaks, and unventilated exterior walls. CITES identifies *Tectona grandis* within its timber taxonomy resources.
Ask for timber origin and transaction documentation, a detailed delivery plan, and clear aftercare instructions before ordering a teak wardrobe. Confirm what is included in the quoted price, who handles installation, how damage is reported, and whether hardware or finish repairs are available. These practical terms protect the purchase after manufacture is complete.
Request an invoice that identifies the product, material description, dimensions, finish, and seller; for cross-border purchases, ask which export and import documents apply to your destination. The CITES guidance is a useful starting point for understanding regulated timber trade, though buyers should verify local requirements with qualified import professionals. Confirm crate dimensions, weight, room-of-choice delivery, assembly, and responsibility for stairs or failed access. Photograph the carton before opening and report transit damage within the seller’s stated window. After installation, dust with a soft dry cloth and follow the maker’s finish-specific care instructions rather than applying generic furniture oils.
Solid teak offers visible timber throughout and can often be repaired or refinished over time, while teak veneer can provide a stable, lower-cost panel when bonded to a suitable core. Neither label alone proves quality. Compare the core material, edge treatment, joinery, finish, warranty, and intended indoor conditions.
For furniture intended for a conditioned interior, makers commonly discuss wood moisture content around 8–12%, but the appropriate target depends on local climate, storage, and destination conditions. Ask when and how the timber was dried, how it was stored afterward, and whether the maker accounts for expected seasonal movement.
A wardrobe interior around 45–60 cm deep will usually accommodate standard clothes hangers, but measure your own hangers and bulky garments before ordering. Account for door thickness, rear clearance, and hanging-rail placement. For a shallow room, consider sliding doors, a reduced-depth layout, or separate folded-clothes storage.
Ask the seller for an invoice identifying the product and material, plus origin and export documentation where relevant. For international orders, confirm which documents your destination requires and consult qualified customs or import professionals. CITES timber resources can explain trade controls, but they do not replace local legal advice.
This resource is published by M Furniture & Decor. Product specifications, timber documentation requirements, and import rules vary by project and destination; confirm final details with the seller and relevant local authorities.
