Teak wood is generally straight grained, but occasionally wavy. It has a course and uneven texture. The wood contains a high level of silica which causes rapid blunting of cutting edges. Historically used in shipbuilding, especially for decks. When fresh cut, the surface of the wood is dull in appearance, and the timber has a distinctive, pleasantly aromatic odour which has been likened to the smell of leather. Fresh sawn teak has a slightly 'oily' feel due to the high oil content.

General Description

Generally thought of from the area around and including Burma, but now grown in Africa as well as the Caribbean on plantations.

The true Burma Teak is a uniform golden-brown colour. Most other Teak is a rich brown with darker markings. It is oily or waxy to the touch with a fairly course texture. The durability of Teak is due to the high level of natural oils. A low uptake of moisture associated with the high level of oils produces little warping, resulting in enormous stability.

Although other quite durable wood types are usually fairly heavy, teak combines its extreme durability with a specific gravity below that of oak. It has a high resistance to absorption of chemicals. Teak has excellent workability and exceptionally beautiful colour and texture.