Characteristics of Teak Wood

Teak (Tectona grandis), is one of the most valued woods in the world, and grows in areas between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. Teak trees can grow up to 150 feet tall and have large, leathery, reddish green leaves that are shed in the drier months of the year. Teak's sap has natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties that make it resistant to parasites and disease. Teak also contains rubber and silica, which repel water. The wood also has great pliability, making it better able to withstand high pressure without cracking. This, combined with the fact that it is an extremely heavy wood, with dense fibers that make it relatively easy to cut and graft, make it one of the finest woods from which to construct outdoor furniture.

Teak is an extremely dense [40lbs/cuft when dry] fine grained hardwood. Teak wood is generally straight grained, but occasionally wavy. The wood contains a high level of silica which causes rapid blunting of cutting edges. When fresh cut the surface of the wood is dull in appearance, and the timber has a distinctive, pleasantly aromatic odor which has been likened to the smell of leather. Fresh sawn teak has a slightly 'oily' feel due to the high oil content.

One of the most commonly quoted facts about the characteristics of teak is its durability. It is resistant to rot caused by fungal decay, and the high level of resinous oil present in the timber helps to act as a natural insect repellent giving the timber very high resistance to attack by termites and other wood boring insects. The life span for teak wood completely left unprotected from the elements is 30 – 35 years, with some pieces having stayed in service for as long as 75 years!

All teak from Indonesia must be certified by the government to verify that it comes from an approved plantation source. The strict governmental oversight are saving many natural Teak forests and having a profound positive environmental impact. The Teak plantations provide economic and environmental relief. They are the major source of income for many villages in tropical areas. Teak is increasing in value by up to 6% every year and has revenue of up to $30,000 US per trunk, which makes it a very resourceful cash crop.