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ALL ABOUT TEAK
Trade or Common Name: Teak
Local Name: Jati
Botanical Name: Tectona Grandis
Family: Verbenaceae
The Tree:
Teak is not a very fast growing, and on
favorable sites may reach 130 to 150 feet in
height with clear boles to 80 to 90 feet. The
trunks are cylindrical to fluted and may reach 3
to 5 feet in diameter.
The Wood:
Teak is a beautiful golden to dark brown,
sometimes reddish brown, with a straight grain,
sometimes wavy. Teak is rich natural oils, is
easily worked, and dresses to a very smooth
finish. Because of its natural oils, teak is
very durable and resistant to moisture and the
drying effects of exposure to weather. Teak is
unique in that it does not cause rust or
corrosion when in contact with metal.
Uses:
Teak is a very valuable wood and is prized
throughout the world. It is sought for the
decks, trim and detail work in expensive boats,
and fine furniture, flooring, carving, joinery,
cabinetwork, paneling, turnery and veneer.
The nature characteristic of teak is its
durability in all weather conditions. Teak has
an extremely dense grained hardwood that resists
rot, warping, shrinking and swelling. Its high
natural oil content continually preserves the
wood so it can be left outdoors for decades.
Because of the durability of teak in all weather
conditions, in the old days, the sailor use teak
as ship’s deck and benches. The decking on these
ships was in such good condition when the ships
were about to be scrapped; the wood was recycled
and remade into outdoor furniture. The still use
it for the deck and bench ever since. Now, not
only being use by the needs of ship but also
recliner on the beach, near the pool, benches at
public parks, dining table at snow resources and
other public areas are furnished with teak, some
of which are nearly a century old.
Beside the durability nature, teak furniture is
very smooth and does not splinter. The color of
teak also stay very neutral in all weather
condition whether its exposed to the sun or cold
winter days around the years. Its also has good
smell and pleasant aromatic for years and years.
Teak is a deciduous tree, which grows in dry,
hilly terrains of forests in Southeast Asia. It
cannot grow in rain forest. Actually, the best
hardwood teak comes from Indonesia. Most of the
teak furniture, which is sold around the world,
not comes from natural forest – tree farms. But
still, from planting, growing until be a good
teak hardwood will takes at least 50 years. When
untreated teak furniture is used indoors (as it
is in restaurants, office lobbies, shopping
centers, etc.), the wood grain evens in tone,
becoming and staying a very rich golden brown
color.
More Articles About Teak:
Teak Wood [Tectonis Grandis]
Real Teak, First Quality Tectona Grandis
Teak Furniture From Teak Etcetera
Make Sure You're Getting Real Teak
Teak Wood Patio Furniture
Caring for Teak Furniture |
