A Family Legacy

featuring Jati

27 July 2025

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Zaid Afiff was a schoolteacher with a love for timber when he started Jati 40 years ago in Melbourne. The family-run business has been crafting teak furniture that lasts generations, and perfecting the art of Aussie outdoor living. Now, as son Adam tells us, Jati is entering a new chapter, infusing fresh energy, modern designs and a whole lot of heart to the teak tradition.

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You know that solid outdoor bench your parents bought in the 1990s that still looks like it could outlast a cyclone? Odds are, it came from Jati - the Melbourne-born furniture biz that's been quietly making outdoor furniture legends for over 40 years.

It all started back in 1984 in a suburban garage in Melbourne. Zaid Afiff, a schoolteacher by trade, would spend weekends surrounded by tools, timber, and a persistent passion for furniture. Born in Indonesia and having immigrated to Australia in the 1960s, he always had a soft spot for teak - that golden, oily wood that laughs in the face of weather, termites, and time.

Teak (Jati in Indonesian) became the heart of Zaid's part-time project. And when The Age ran a story on the little garage-born business, the phones started ringing with orders.

Eventually, Zaid hung up the chalk and opened a warehouse in Richmond, selling direct to the public. The premise was simple: no retail middlemen, just beautifully made, long-lasting teak furniture at prices that made sense.

From there, Jati grew into a name Australians trusted. A name synonymous with outdoor masterpieces, from garden benches with English charm to massive tables for family gatherings and dreamy outdoor sun loungers.

Today, the reins are in the hands of Zaid's son, Adam, where after an eventful career in film and television, hospitality, restaurant fit-outs, and even a wine business, has returned to the family fold.

"I made Dad a promise, almost 15 years ago, that I'd step in and help out when he got too old," says Adam.

"At the time, I didn't really think that through. I felt like that was never going to happen, but eventually, time catches up with all of us. And here we are."

A Joy Forever

Now in the driver's seat, Adam is injecting fresh energy into the family brand, blending time-honoured tradition with a modern design sensibility.

"We're working with some great young designers and still the best teak craftsmen in Java - the same ones Dad worked with to build Jati's supply chain."

Thanks to deep family ties, the team works closely with the same high-end producers who supply expensive European and American luxury labels, but lucky for us, a more down-to-earth price.

Jati has a beautiful showroom in Artarmon, still selling direct to the public and ships across Australia. Their furniture is 90% teak (hello, longevity), with a growing range of mixed materials, colour pops in cushions, and compact pieces for apartment living. From mid-century curves to classic garden charm, it's forever furniture that's built for life, joy, and legacy.

As for favourites? Adam loves the Una lounge chair, with its matching ottoman, the Newbury Rocking Chair with its modern twist, and the Newton lounge series.

It's hard to beat Jati's combo of old-school craft and new-school style. Best of all, these are pieces made to last and be loved for generations.

Discover the art, craft, and furniture behind Jati. Flip the magazine to the Home & Property section and turn to page 24. Then make sure you visit the Artarmon showroom.