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Teak Facts - Teak, a Top-Quality Hardwood

Teak is a top-quality hardwood. The characteristics of teak wood make it perfect for the most demanding applications. The marine industry has used teak for centuries as their durable-wood of choice. There are many unique qualities that make teak superior to other woods. 

The teak tree (Tectona grandis) is a large, deciduous tree that occurs in mixed hardwood forests. Teak is native to Southeast Asia, its natural range runs through Burma (now Myanmar), Thailand, Laos and India. Teak is also grown on plantations in Africa, Indonesia and South America. Teak trees have small, fragrant white flowers and large papery leaves that are often hairy on the lower surface. Teak wood has a leather-like smell when it is freshly milled. It is particularly valued for its beauty, durability and water resistance. Teak plantations established by the colonial powers in the 19th century are now being sourced for the world’s high-quality teak. The highest quality wood comes from trees that are over 80 years old.

Teak Facts – Teak wood has unique properties

  • Teak wood has a high oil content which makes it extremely resistant to harsh environmental conditions and highly resistant to rot, mold, termites and boring insects.
  • Teak has a low shrinkage ratio, which makes it excellent for applications where it undergoes periodic changes in temperature and moisture.
  • The high silica content of teak wood make it uniquely non-skid, even when wet. It maintains its unique properties even under the worst effects of the sun and rain.
  • Teak decks are good insulators and are comfortable to walk on barefoot, even under the hottest tropical sun.
  • Let’s not forget the luxurious look of teak. Golden brown colored, straight grain teak will remain attractive for years, and if properly maintained, it will last for a lifetime.
  • The natural properties of teak make it the only real choice for use in boat-building. Many alternatives have been tested, other woods and synthetics, but only naturally grown teak is able to maintain its beauty and durability for the long term.

Teak Facts – Not all teak is equal to old-growth teak. There are different grades of teak available on the market, such as South American and Indonesian plantation teak. These have inferior qualities to old-growth teak, as they are grown fast and harvested young. They have a lower oil and silica content that make them vulnerable to rot and termites, and their teak planks tend to crack and warp. Fast-grown teak is suitable for some applications, but only old-growth teak can withstand the test of time. When choosing a supplier, carefully check what type of teak they provide. The price difference between old-growth teak and fast grown teak make it tempting to use the cheaper alternative, but it will compromise the quality of the final product. Fast grown teak does have its uses, we recommend it for mass-produced residential outdoor furniture, indoor flooring and paneling, and other residential uses.

Florida Teak deals in carefully selected old-growth teak, we assure our customers that they will receive only the most valuable and versatile hardwood – high quality, old-growth teak. Click Here to see our product.

The qualities of old-growth teak:

  • Rich golden brown luster
  • Close grained hardwood
  • High natural oil and silica content
  • Resistance to all weather conditions
  • Strongest and most durable of all woods
Teak Wood
Teak logs drying
Fresh cut teak

Contact us today to place an order or to make an appointment to view our product

Phone: 561-975-0898               Email: info@floridateak.com

To see a gallery of Teak Woods many uses – CLICK HERE

For more information on Teak, visit these links – Britanica.com and Wikipedia.org

Want to compare wood types? CLICK HERE to see our glossary of lumber

Florida Teak complies with all U.S. sanctions regulations and export controls as to transactions with restricted countries, persons and entities (the “Sanctions Laws”), and we expect our partners to conduct business with Florida Teak in accordance with the Sanctions Laws.  Florida Teak may reject at any time any person, entity, product, bank, restricted destination, vessel, port terminal, facility or berth that may cause Florida Teak to be in violation of or be penalized by the Sanctions Laws.  Additional information is available from Florida Teak upon request.