Species Spotlight: Teak

Due to its exceptional durability, rot resistance, and overall attractiveness, teak has long been a sought-after exotic hardwood lumber. Whether used for luxury decking, exterior siding, aboard a yacht, or for high-end patio furniture, teak is an excellent choice wherever good looks and marine grade durability are required.

True teak, from the tree species Tectona grandis, is native to Southeast Asia, and primarily grows in the mixed hardwood forests of India, Myanmar, and Thailand. Due to intense demand for teak lumber, the availability of old growth teak has dwindled. In recent years, US sanctions prohibiting the importation of Burmese teak have further constrained supply.

Owing to the pressures on teak supplies from its native range, teak has increasingly been cultivated on tree plantations throughout the tropical world, particularly in Africa and the Caribbean region. The quality of plantation teak lumber varies widely, and the prevalence of low quality material harvested after only 15-20 years of growth has given plantation teak a poor reputation, particularly with buyers who are familiar with the characteristics of top quality material.

We have had the good fortune of securing access to a supply of top quality Trinidad teak – Click here to check out our inventory of teak and exotic hardwood lumber. This lumber is harvested from carefully managed state-owned teak plantations on the Caribbean island of Trinidad, where the growing conditions are very similar to the conditions across teak’s native range in SE Asia. This makes the area ideal for teak cultivation.

The history of teak cultivation in Trinidad spans over 100 years, with seeds having first been brought from Burma in 1898, and widespread cultivation underway by the 1920’s. The teak plantations of Trinidad are well established and well managed, and therefore able to provide some of the highest quality plantation grown teak available anywhere in the world. The age of trees felled in Trinidad is between 40 and 80 years, easily doubling the age or even quadrupling the age of typical plantation grown specimens.

Some important characteristics of teak lumber:

1. Weather, Rot and Pest Resistance: Teak wood contains natural oils and silica, which make it highly resistant to water, decay, and pests, including termites and other wood-boring insects. Furthermore, teak can withstand extreme weather conditions, including heavy rain, intense sunlight, and temperature fluctuations, without warping, cracking, or becoming brittle.

2. Longevity w/ Low Maintenance: Teak is known for its long lifespan. Outdoor furniture, decks, and structures made from teak can last for decades with minimal maintenance. Occasional cleaning and oiling can help preserve its appearance and extend its life even further.

3. Good Looks: Teak has a beautiful, rich golden-brown color and an attractive grain pattern. Over time, it weathers to a sophisticated silver-gray patina if left untreated, which many find aesthetically pleasing.

4. Strength and Stability: Teak wood is strong and dense, providing structural stability for outdoor furniture and constructions. It doesn’t easily splinter, making it safe and comfortable for use in furniture. Janka hardness is approximately 1,100 lbF.

Click here to check out our inventory of teak and exotic hardwood lumber.