If you want to buy wooden furniture, you may have heard about teak. It’s one of the most popular wood species today. You’re probably wondering what makes it special and whether it’s the right product for you or not.
Teak wood comes from a large, deciduous tree. This hardwood contains a high oil content that has exceptional durability and water resistance. It is a top choice for outdoor furniture and other pieces exposed to harsh weather.
If this information isn’t enough for you, you can discover other facts about teak wood below. Hopefully, these help you learn if teak is worth investing in.
Facts About Teak
Below are some interesting facts about teak.
- The scientific name of the teak is Tectona grandis.
- Teak is a large deciduous tree (meaning it sheds leaves during the fall) that can grow up to 40 m (131 ft) tall.
- Natural teak forests are indigenous or native to only four countries in south and southeast Asia. These include Burma (now called Myanmar), Laos, Thailand, and India.
- Teak plantations are also common in Africa, Indonesia, Malaysia, and South America (notably Brazil) through propagation.
- Teak trees thrive in various conditions, from tropical to arid areas. However, they mostly flourish in locations that enjoy 1,250-1,650 mm of rain annually.
- The heartwood of teak trees has a high oil content, making it highly resistant to harsh environments.
- Teak wood can also effectively resist mold, rot, termites, and other insects.
- Teak does not warp or crack when exposed to moisture.
- According to the Janka Hardness Scale, teak has a hardness rating of 1,155 out of 4,000. It is slightly harder than English oak and black walnut.
- There are different grades of commercial teak available.
- Grade A teak comes from the heartwood of a fully mature teak tree. It contains the highest natural oils, giving it a golden brown color and oily touch.
- Grade B teak derives from the outer heartwood section of the tree. It is less durable and has uneven color compared to Grade A teak.
- Lastly, Grade C teak has inferior quality because it is harvested from the outer sections of immature trees. It is inexpensive, but it is soft and susceptible to damage.
- Teak wood is known for its golden brown shade and decorative grain pattern. Its color darkens over time.
- Teak wood is a good insulator, making it a popular choice for decks. These teak decks allow you to walk comfortably on the surface during hot summers.
- Teak has a low shrinkage ratio to prevent wood compression under extreme temperatures and moisture levels.
- Teak wood offers high silica content to ensure a non-skid surface when wet.
- It takes 40 to 70 years for a teak tree to mature fully.
- Teak trees older than four years can resist fire damage.
- Indonesia and Myanmar are the two largest exporters of commercial teak used for teak furniture, boat building, and decks. However, illegal logging is also prevalent in these countries.
- Central and South America have a growing sustainable teak plantation.
Pros About Teak
Teak wood has many benefits, which we will cover below.
- Teak has high oil and silica content, making it suitable for daily outdoor use.
- Teak is extremely durable even without an oil or varnish treatment.
- Teak wood offers high tensile strength to withstand harsh use and heavy loads.
- Teak does not rot and decay when exposed to moisture.
- Teak is termite- and insect-resistant.
- Teak wood can resist extreme temperatures and weather conditions.
- Teak has an attractive golden brown luster that enhances the visual appeal of your house.
- Teak wood is versatile and has many uses.
- Teak is easy to maintain.
- Teak wood can last for many years, making it a popular material for outdoor teak furniture.
Cons About Teak
We’ve talked about the advantages of teak extensively. However, this hardwood also has a few downsides to consider.
- Genuine teak is not readily available in the market due to the low wood supply caused by governmental restrictions on logging.
- Premium teak is among the most expensive hardwoods to buy today.
- Teak will fade to a silver-gray patina because of natural weathering.
- Although teak wood can resist most insects, it is susceptible to damage from Hyblaea puera. It is a type of moth native to South Asia and Southeast Asia.
- Teak can dull knives and other cutting tools because of the high silica content.
- Grade B and C teak wood can quickly deteriorate under harsh environmental conditions.
What Things Are Made From Teak Wood?
Teak has many uses around your home. It is one of the most popular building materials for indoor and outdoor furniture. Whether it is a patio table or a shower chair, teak is a great choice for its durability and water resistance.
Teak wood is also used to make flooring, doors, window frames, patio decks, countertops, and joinery. It has a versatile look and a hard-wearing build.
Besides home applications, teak is an excellent material for boat building. In fact, the hardwood has been used for centuries because it resists rot, seawater, fungi, and mildew. It can also accept different finishes, such as oils, sealers, and varnishes.
Middle Eastern countries have also harnessed teak wood for construction. It can withstand extremely hot temperatures without conducting heat and electricity that may cause injuries.
The chemical industry also has many applications for teak due to its incredible durability against chemicals.
Finally, the uses of teak go beyond its timber. Teak leaves are snacks in other countries, such as Indonesia and India. To be specific, they are essential in making jackfruit dumplings and gudeg, another dish that uses jackfruit.
Conclusion
Teak or Tectona grandis is one of the most popular materials used for wooden furniture. It has many benefits, as mentioned above. These include exceptional durability and resistance to weather elements. However, teak wood is expensive and not always available. That said, teak can be a worthy investment because it lasts you a long time with minimal maintenance.
Do you have more questions about these teak facts? You can send your queries via our contact page!
