AuthenTeak a one-stop shop for outdoor rooms

What started out as a hunt for their own home furniture morphed into a business now in its fifth year. AuthenTeak, the brainchild of Damon Fogel and Eric Brenner, started out as a specialty store just for outdoor furniture made of durable teak. But over the years it’s grown to include other woods, metals and accessories for living comfortably al fresco.

“We realized that people want more alternative materials,” said Brenner. “At the same time, they want stuff that’s equally as durable as teak. But we find that there are a lot of people who just love teak. They’re collectors; they start with a bench and keep acquiring.”

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H.M. Cauley / Special

Sectional seating made from durable woods and colorful cushions is among the latest looks for patios and decks.

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H.M. Cauley / Special

Colorful sofas, chairs and tables of woven wicker dress up any outdoor room.

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Three weeks ago, the store expanded into its former storage area to make room for more contemporary pieces.

What you’ll find

The selection of outdoor furniture includes seating pieces of sofas, chairs, sectionals, rocking chairs, recliners, bar stools, chaises, footstools, daybeds and benches. To go around them are dining tables, end tables, drink holders and coffee tables. To soften them are cushions in a range of colors and fabrics that are easy to clean, mildew resistant, colorfast and quick to dry.

Along with teak, shoppers will find furniture made of rust-resistant cast aluminum and woven wicker. There are also tables topped with tile, marble and travertine and Adirondack chairs of Brazilian cherry or teak.

Indoor and outdoor area rugs come in a variety of sizes and patterns. A typical 8-by-13 runs about $300.

Accent pieces include trellises, ceramic jugs, teak lanterns, vases, silk trees and canvas umbrellas in vivid reds, greens and yellows. The store also carries a line of “sun tan lotions” that protect teak’s natural color.

Trends

One of the latest must-haves is the outdoor kitchen, and shoppers at AuthenTeak can put together the appliances as well as the furniture package. Grill tables can be purchased with or without grills. A complete ensemble comes with a grill surrounded by a teak work table, a pizza stone, rib rack and several accessories (including a bag of briquettes) and runs about $1,500. Other kitchen elements, including small refrigerators, sinks and ice makers, can be ordered to fit a customer’s backyard specifications.

Best sellers

The Ventura line of deep-seated sofas, love seats, high-backed rocking chairs ($1,525) and reclining arm chairs ($1,295) from Gloster are the most popular items in the store. Each piece can be covered in a range of colored cushions. “They’re incredibly comfortable and work well in a traditional or contemporary design,” said Brenner.

WHERE TO FIND IT

AuthenTeak

1094 Huff Road, Atlanta

Info: 404-525-1995, www.authenteak.com

Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday

In the area: AuthenTeak is part of the city’s new West Side shops and showrooms, and several spots to grab a bite, including West Egg Cafe, Taqueria del Sol, JCT Kitchen and Figo Pasta.