Gig Harbor became home to Harbor Teak, which offers exotic wood, furniture and home décor items, just this past January, and the community is invited to join them for their Grand Opening Saturday, June 2, during the Maritime Gig Festival.
Owners and husband-and-wife team Justin and Patricia Freed relocated to Gig Harbor from Port Orchard five year ago, and in 2016 they began developing the concept for Harbor Teak where today they are actively pursuing their passions; marrying traditional boat building/woodworking roots with their love for quality, hand-crafted teak furniture. They offer high-quality teak furniture and lumber at their Gig Harbor retail storefront.
Teak wood, a more expensive wood than others, is ideal for products that require resistance to the elements, such as boats and outdoor furniture. With their exotic wood selection specifically geared toward those seeking a level beyond what can be found in any “big box” store, it is equally important for Justin and Patricia to keep price points affordable in order to make that dream deck or gazebo, or whatever your heart desires, a reality.
“As direct importers, we personally travel to Indonesia to seek out those unique items that help you build distinction while, at the same time, being mindful of your pocketbook,” says Justin. Whether you are looking for teak to repair your boat, find an outdoor furniture set or a unique one-of-a-kind piece, there’s no need to look elsewhere—Harbor Teak is the answer.
As Justin says, “Harbor Teak is a reflection of many years of trial and error, winning some and losing a bit, and generally gaining the knowledge to be able to collect the types of things found here in the store. We offer our knowledge and experience together with great items and pricing [to all who walk into our store].”
Additionally, the business is developing an offering of exotic lumber and wood products, which Justin says is simply an outgrowth of his passion for working with wood, boats and tools. "I attended the Northwest School of Wooden Boat Building up in Port Townsend way back in 1982!" he says. "They have some pictures hanging up there of me working on a good-sized Ketch we were building. I think I was 22 at the time."
With their four children now grown, Justin says, “We are at a place and time in our lives where we have the opportunity to pursue our passions and not be constrained by the [responsibilities] we had before.”
Harbor Teak is the result of two things the Freeds thoroughly enjoy—traveling and shopping. After 30 years of travels back and forth to Indonesia and purchasing furniture for themselves and friends, Justin and Patricia decided to make the dream of Harbor Teak a reality. And each day they look forward to showcasing the quality wood and unique items they have purchased during their travels.
When it comes to what the couple finds most rewarding in the work they do, Justin says it’s “having the ability to pursue a goal of starting a small business in a place like Gig Harbor and to enjoy the friendship and neighborly camaraderie, combined with the thrill mentioned above, is truly what we are after.”
Harbor Teak
7520 Soundview Drive
Gig Harbor, Washington 98335
253.858.7394
FB: Harbor Teak