About Teak
History of Teak Wood
Teak wood is a highly prized and popular type of wood historically used in ship building dating back 6000 years to its incorporation into ancient Chinese junks (ships). It is highly prized fro its durability and is used in various furniture, cabinetry, and outdoor products due to its remarkable properties. Originating from the deciduous tree species Tectona grandis, which is native to the forests of SE Asia, teak wood was planted commercially since the 1600’s by the Dutch and has been used in the construction of buildings in Indonesia for centuries. It is highly regarded for its natural beauty, durability, and water-resistant quality, making it a popular choice for outdoor furniture and decks. Teak wood is also highly resistant to insect damage and fungal decay, and is very stable in terms of warping which allows it to be a hearty replacement to toxic plywood. Due to its scarcity, teak wood is often quite expensive, but its numerous benefits make it a worthwhile investment for those who seek high-quality and long-lasting products.
Teak Types
Reclaimed versus Plantation Teak
Plantation Teak and reclaimed teak wood are two types of teak wood that have their differences based on how and where they are sourced.
Our selectively harvested Plantation Teak wood is grown in plantations in Indonesia managed by Indonesian forestry department, Perhutani and is certified legally and sustainably harvested. This makes it a more sustainable choice compared to old-growth teak for those who are concerned about environmental impact. The wood tends to be more consistent in color and grain pattern due to its deliberate management.
Reclaimed Teak wood, on the other hand, is salvaged from old houses/buildings, factory floors, bridges, or other structures that have outlived their use. This makes it the most eco-friendly choice based on carbon footprint as no new trees are cut down. Reclaimed teak wood is valuable because it often has a unique character and history that is reflected in its variations in density, color and texture, which create a beautifully rustic look in furniture and decorative products. While we source the variety of teak on a project by project basis both hold value based on their individual characteristics and source.
Teak Grades
A, B and C Grades of Teak
Teak wood is often graded into three categories, A, B, and C, based on the quality and appearance of the wood.
Grade A teak is the highest quality and most expensive, featuring a consistent, golden honey color with even grain patterns and few knots or imperfections. Often used for mid-century modern style furniture, boat decking and high end woodworking, this type of teak wood is typically sourced from the center cuts from the heartwood of mature trees and is highly durable, resistant to warping and splitting.
Grade B teak is less consistent in color and may have slight defects, knots or blemishes but no sap wood from the outer tree coelom. It is still suitable for outdoor furniture and decking due to its durability.Grade C teak is the lower quality and least expensive of the three grades of teak. C grade features many knots and blemishes as well as sap wood making it vary substantially in grain pattern from light to dark. Many of our clients are looking for this variety in their projects. Despite the differences, all grades of teak wood offer benefits in terms of strength, durability, and beauty. The grade chosen for a specific project will depend on budget, intended use, and desired aesthetic.