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Teak Fact
- Trade or Common Name: Teak
- The Tree: Teak is very fast growing,
and on favorable sites may reach 130 to 150 feet in height with clear boles
of 80 to 90 feet. The trunks are cylindrical to fluted and may reach 3 to 5
feet in diameter. Its rate of growth depends on several factors, including the
quality of its environment, (topography, drainage, soil and seed quality), as
well as tropical temperatures, humidity, and rainfall. Teak trees grow straight,
with fluted trunks. The regenerative life of teak trees is excellent.
- Teak is a hard, heavy tree with a
rough bark that is extremely durable and resistant to moisture and the drying
effects of weather exposure due to its substantial oil content. This heavy oil
content allows teakwood to naturally protect itself from insects, bacterial
diseases, fungi, and forest fires.
- Status: Teak has been heavily exploited
for more than a century and is increasingly difficult to obtain. It is listed
as endangered.
- The Wood: Teak is a beautiful golden
to dark brown, sometimes reddish brown, with a straight grain, sometimes wavy.
Teak is rich in natural oils, is easily worked, and dresses to a very smooth
finish. Because of its natural oils, teak is very durable and resistant to moisture
and the drying effects of exposure to weather. Teak is unique in that it does
not cause rust or corrosion when in contact with metal.
- Uses: Teak is a very valuable wood
and is prized throughout the world. It is sought for the decks, trim and detail
work in expensive boats, and fine furniture, flooring, carving, joinery, cabinetwork,
paneling, turnery and veneer.
- Availability: We plant teak only
in pure plantings and currently have available a limited quantity of teak trees
that were planted in mid-1999 and are now a year old.
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o Related links:
Mahagony Fact |
Rattan Fact |
Bamboo Fact
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