Toppers
What is teak wood?
Teak: The King of Wood Types
Teak (Tectona grandis) is widely regarded as one of the most valuable and durable types of wood in the world. This noble hardwood, naturally found in Southeast Asia, owes its reputation to a unique combination of durability, stability, and aesthetic qualities. For centuries, teak has been used for the most demanding applications, from shipbuilding to luxury outdoor furniture.
Origin and Types
Teak wood has various origin areas, each with its own characteristics:
-
Natural teak:
- Myanmar (formerly Burma) - traditionally the highest quality
- Thailand (limited availability)
- Laos and India (original distribution area)
-
Plantation teak:
- Indonesia (Java)
- Costa Rica and Panama
- Africa (Ghana, Togo)
Technical Properties
| Property | Natural Teak | Plantation Teak |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 650-750 kg/m³ | 600-650 kg/m³ |
| Durability Class | 1 | 1-2 |
| Hardness (Janka) | 4,500-5,000 N | 4,000-4,500 N |
| Shrinkage | Very low | Low |
| Stability | Excellent | Very good |
Characteristic Features
-
Appearance:
- Golden brown to dark brown color
- Fine, regular grain
- Sometimes with lighter and darker stripes
- Beautifully grays with outdoor use
-
Natural Properties:
- Contains natural oils
- High resistance to rot and fungi
- Excellent weather and water resistance
- Very shape-retaining
Applications
| Application Area | Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shipbuilding | Decks, paneling, interiors | Excellent water resistance |
| Outdoor Furniture | Garden sets, lounge sofas | Durable without treatment |
| Facade Carpentry | Frames, doors, facade cladding | Very long lifespan |
| Luxury Interiors | Furniture, flooring, wall coverings | Prestigious appearance |
Processing and Treatment
Processing Properties
- Machining: Well machinable, but sharp tools required
- Screwing/Nailing: Pre-drilling recommended due to hardness
- Gluing: Sometimes challenging due to natural oils
- Finishing: Can remain untreated, finishing possible
Maintenance
Teak wood has minimal maintenance requirements:
-
Outdoor Use:
- No treatment necessary
- Grays naturally in an aesthetic way
- Optionally clean annually with mild soap
- Optional treatment with teak oil for color
-
Indoor Use:
- Normal maintenance with a soft cloth
- Periodically treat with special wood nourishment
- Protect against extreme drying
Sustainability and Origin
The teak trade has important sustainability aspects:
-
Natural Teak:
- Strictly regulated trade
- Limited availability
- High prices due to scarcity
-
Plantation Teak:
- Sustainable alternative
- FSC certification possible
- Growing availability
Price and Quality
Teak wood is among the more expensive types of wood due to:
- Long growth period (at least 20-25 years for plantation teak)
- Limited availability of natural teak
- Excellent technical properties
- High demand from high-end markets
Future Perspective
The future of teak wood is characterized by:
- Increasing focus on sustainably produced plantation teak
- Innovations in plantation management for better quality
- Continued appreciation in high-end applications
- Development of new plantation areas
As one of the most prestigious types of wood, teak will continue to play an important role in the future of sustainable luxury applications.