Teak Wood

Teak wood is a variety of hardwood tree from the southern and southeastern portion of Asia.  While there are actually three different species of teak, the most common – conveniently called Common Teak – is almost always the variety used for construction and crafting of furniture, flooring, and other items. 

Teak wood is very special because of some unique attributes it possesses, which make it highly desirable as a material for use in construction and carpentry.  First, as a hardwood, teak wood is very strong and extremely durable, yet when properly treated is also flexible enough to avoid splitting or warping.  Second, it grows in large parts of southern Asia and isn’t a rainforest tree, so teak wood can be harvested in large quantities without provoking serious environmental consequences.  However, the greatest attribute of teak wood is the natural oils it possesses.  The oils in teak wood make the wood – and anything produced from it – resistant to water, sun, wind, and most other weathering conditions.  These oils remain in the teak wood even after it is cut and shaped, so that the natural protection passes to furniture and flooring even years after construction.

Because of the highly useful attributes of teak wood, it has been used to make furniture and equipment in Asia for centuries.  Nautical items such as boats and docks were and still are particularly common.  Recently, however, teak wood has become a very popular material for the construction of items the world over.  Furniture and flooring made of teak wood are becoming more and more popular, and because of the oils in the wood it is particularly useful for outdoor areas or items that are to be kept in the weather.  Patio furniture has become a favorite use for teak wood in western markets.  Teak wood is desirable for reasons other than its protective nature as well.  Not only is it attractive normally, but as it ages teak wood changes color.  As the wood ages or weathers the oils in the wood change, which gives the wood a silvery gray patina.  This unique look of aged teak wood has become very desirable in certain circles, including an antique style called Dutch Modern, which focuses on furniture made in the 1950’s and 60’s and which is highly collectable today. 

This demand for teak wood, both today and in the past, would have created serious problems of supply with many other types of wood.  Fortunately, teak wood is quite plentiful because large plantations have been started all across southern Asia to ensure that demand can be met.  Teak wood is also not indigenous to rainforests, so it can be harvested on a large scale without fear of sever environmental consequences to these vulnerable areas.  These factors, combined with the natural attributes of the wood, make teak wood a fine choice for furniture, flooring, or other items you may wish to purchase.

If you do buy an item or piece of furniture made of teak wood, there are a few things to keep in mind.  First, teak wood is so durable and strong that it is likely to last your entire life without wearing down and needing replacing.  Any piece made of teak wood that you buy will thus be with you for a long time.  Make sure you like what you’re purchasing enough to keep it around for decades.  Next, teak wood will look different as it ages.  If you want the standard brown look, young-growth teak wood is fine.  If you want the silvery patina look, however, you’ll need to search out either items made from old-growth wood or an antique piece.  Finally, younger teak wood is not as strong and durable as older wood, and it does not offer the same degree of water and weather protection.  The more a teak tree matures, the stronger and more protective its wood becomes.  As most trees from teak plantations are cut before they can fully mature, most items made of teak wood do not offer as much protection as antique items.  If you want and are willing to pay for the best quality items, search for what you’re looking for in a highly graded old-growth teak wood.