Teak Wood Info

Teak is one of the most valuable timbers, "the king under the timbers", in ancient times considered as "a royal timber".

Teak is world wide recognized for its durability and stability, The timber is immense stable, has a high oil content that works as "built-in" natural water repellent and is therefore virtually immune to rotting, fungi and harsh chemicals. Teak is one of the few timbers that can withstand the heat of the desert and will not readily catch fire.
 

Untreated teak can be left in the open for more than 30 years whilst becoming an attractive soft silver color. Teak is one of the timbers not susceptible to termite (white ants) attacks.

Teak will not turn black when in contact with metals.
 

Appearance
Teak has a great beauty. It is generally fine to coarsely grained, even texture, medium luster and an oily feel. Yellow brown to dark golden brown heartwood and grayish or white sapwood.
 

Physical properties
Teak has a high degree of natural durability, is moderately hard and heavy with low stiffness and shock resistance but an excellent decay resistance and dimensional stability with a good acid resistance.
 

Use
Exterior and interior, indoor and outdoor furniture, ship decks.

 

Name Teak (Tectona grandis)
Type Hardwood
Other Names Also known as Burma teak, Rangoon teak, moulmein teak, gia thi, jati sak, kyun, mai sak, rosawa, and many other local names.
Sources Grows in Indonesia, India, and Central America.
Appearance Generally straight grained with a coarse, uneven texture, medium luster and an oily feel. Yellow brown to dark golden brown heartwood and grayish or white sapwood.
Physical Props Moderately hard and heavy, with low stiffness and shock resistance, moderate bending strength, moderate steam bending, and excellent decay resistance and dimensional stability. Good acid resistance.
Working Props Works reasonably well with hand or machine tools but silica in wood is tough on cutting edges and machine dust can be an irritant. Good turning and carving properties. Gluing best done on freshly cut surfaces due to oily nature. Pre-drilling recommended for screwing and nailing. Stains and finishes well although natural oils can cause adhesion difficulties.
Uses Has numerous uses including ship building (especially decks), indoor or outdoor furniture, high class joinery, flooring, paneling, plywood, decorative veneers, turnery, carving, chemical tanks and vats.