Teak
TECTONA GRANDIS

Teak is a close-grained hardwood with high natural oil and rubber content. It is one of the hardest, strongest and most durable of all timbers, highly resistant to any rotting and almost impervious to the effects of hot sun, rain, frost or snow. Teak requires little or no maintenance regardless of the environment. These characteristics combine to make it the ideal timber for all outdoor applications and it has been the choice of boat builders for centuries. Once seen primarily on elegant yachts and in the most extravagant estates, teak is now a premium wood of choice for designers of hotels, corporate headquarters and upscale homes. Apart from its natural beauty, teak is one of the most valuable of all woods.

FAMILY
Verbenaaceae.

OTHER COMMON NAMES
Burma Teak, Djati, Genuine Teak, Teca, Teck, Tekku, Kyun, Gia Thi, Jati Sak.

ORIGIN
Native to India, Burma, Thailand, Indo-China and Indonesia.

APPEARANCE
Heartwood is dark golden-brown to dark golden-yellow to rich brown in color with darker chocolate-colored brown streaks. Sapwood is white to pale yellow. Texture is fairly coarse and uneven. Grain is straight, occasionally wavy.

DENSITY AND BUOYANCY
Janka hardness is 1155, making it somewhat hard and durable when compared to Red
Oak (1210 Janka), which is 12% harder than teak. Average weight is 42 lbs./cu. ft. Specific gravity is .55, with buoyancy comparable to Sapele, Mahogany or Afrormosia.

DRYING AND SHRINKAGE
Dries well but rather slowly. It requires care in determining moisture content, as drying rates of some boards is occasionally great. Excellent dimensional stability.

WORKABILITY
Works with moderate ease with hand and machine tools. Dulling effect on cutting edges is sometimes considerable. Can be finished and glued satisfactorily. Pre-boring is suggested and the wood holds nails well.

DURABILITY
Very durable with respect to decay and insect attack. Does not cause rust or corrosion when in contact with metal. Teak can last 100+ years.

PRESERVATION
Extremely resistant to preservative treatments, does not require treatment.

USES
Construction of boats, outdoor and marine decking, soffits, facsia, fine furniture, flooring, interior construction, doors and windows, decorative objects, and as veneer for decorative plywood.

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS
Teak has been cultivated in tropical regions for hundreds of years, since the establishment of teak plantations in the 18th and 19th centuries. When teak trees are cut, their sap preserves the wood. This makes it:

• Durable. Teak is resistant to climate extremes, insects and fungus. It is not harmed by acids or alkalis. Plus, teak’s inherent silica content and natural oils allow it to weather without the need of preservatives or sealants.
• Restorable. Even after being left untreated for years, teak easily can be restored to its original golden-brown color. Many prefer to let it weather to an attractive silver-gray. Teak that has been treated with finishes and oils can even be taken back to its original condition by applying the right preparations.

LUMBER
Standard and custom sizes available in flooring, decking, and mouldings.

• 2/4" to 16/4" thickness
• 2" and wider
• 3' and longer, up to 32'
• Beams and posts

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