Teak, a durable and naturally beautiful wood used in outdoor furniture, belongs to the Verbenaceae family, which includes plants like mint, rosemary, basil, and thyme. It is a hard tropical tree that has been widely used in India for over 2000 years. The name "teak" comes from the Malayalam word "tēkka." This tree produces some of the most valuable timber used in the furniture industry. It typically grows in the monsoon rainforests of southern Asia, including India, Myanmar, Thailand, and Indonesia. It is also naturally found in Africa and the Caribbean. Myanmar's teak forests alone account for nearly half of the world's naturally occurring teak trees. Due to unsuitable climate conditions, teak is not grown in Turkey.
How to Identify Real Teak Wood?
First, you should notice that teak wood has a natural oil content that smells like leather. The high oil content makes the wood moderately heavy, dense, and waterproof. Teak wood should have a color ranging from golden yellow to dark brown, which may darken slightly over time. Additionally, teak has a distinctive, straight or wavy grain pattern, and the grains are prominent and clear. The most important factor is its price; real teak furniture or products will always be more expensive than other types of furniture.
What Are the Characteristics of Teak Wood?
Teak trees can grow up to 46 meters tall and live for up to 100 years. Their leaves are reddish-green and have a rough texture. They shed their leaves during the dry season and regrow them when the rains return. The tree also produces fragrant, pale blue flowers, which develop into small fruits called drupes. The seeds of the teak tree are found inside these fruits. The wood inside the trunk has a pleasant, strong aromatic scent, similar to leather. When exposed to sunlight, teak wood changes from a golden brown color to a silvery hue. This is not a sign of deterioration but a natural aging process. Teak furniture that has turned silver-gray can be lightly sanded to restore its original color. Teak trees provide the highest quality timber between 40 and 80 years of age and should be dried for 1-2 years before being cut.
Why Is Teak Wood Expensive?
Teak wood offers excellent durability and resistance to water, insects, and decay due to its high density, natural oils, and fine-grained structure. This makes it ideal for outdoor furniture and shipbuilding. Additionally, teak trees take a long time to mature and are primarily grown in Southeast Asia, making harvesting complex and costly. It takes about 50 years for a teak tree to reach a diameter of 50 cm. Limited supply and high demand contribute to the high price of teak wood. Plantation teak, which grows faster and is cultivated by humans, is cheaper and of lower quality compared to naturally grown teak.
What Climate Does Teak Grow In?
Teak (Tectona grandis) thrives in tropical climates. This tree species is naturally found in Southeast Asia, particularly in countries like India, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Indonesia. Teak prefers humid and hot climates with an average annual temperature of 22-27°C and annual rainfall between 1,200-2,500 mm. It grows well in tropical rainforests and monsoon climates but requires well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. Bees and other pollinators are also necessary for the reproduction of teak trees. These conditions allow teak to grow quickly and produce high-quality timber. Due to unsuitable climate conditions, teak is not cultivated in Turkey.
Where Is Teak Wood Found?
Teak (Tectona grandis) is naturally found in Southeast Asia, particularly in India, Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Laos, and Indonesia. These regions have the tropical climate conditions that form the natural habitat of teak. Additionally, high-quality teak plantations are cultivated in other tropical regions, such as Africa (especially Nigeria and Tanzania) and Central America (especially Costa Rica), to meet the global demand for teak wood.
What Is Teak Wood Used For?
Teak is a majestic-looking tree, but its true value lies in the quality of its timber. The wood beneath its scaly brown bark is a dark golden color, which darkens with age. Its resistance to weather conditions and decay makes it highly valuable commercially. This durability makes teak an ideal material for outdoor furniture. Our garden furniture collection includes many products made from teak. Companies like Kayu Teak skillfully use this material to combine quality and natural beauty in outdoor furniture. The natural oils in teak make it resistant to termites and pests. Even without oil or varnish treatment, teak is durable, but applying teak oil once a year helps maintain its color and quality. Its resistance to wood rot and borers makes it a popular choice for products constantly exposed to water and moisture, such as bridges, decks, and boats. Additionally, due to its astringent and diuretic properties, teak is used in traditional medicine in Asia. The bark of the teak tree has been used to make tea that alleviates headaches, fever, and stomach aches. Teak was also used in the construction of the Kaaba, the holiest structure in Islam, in Mecca. In Indonesia, its leaves are used in some traditional dishes. Although teak is easy to work with, the silica it contains can quickly dull cutting tools.
Why Is Teak Ideal for Garden Furniture?
Teak wood contains natural oils that make it resistant to decay, insects, and harsh weather conditions. This durability makes it an ideal choice for outdoor furniture. The water-resistant nature of teak, due to its natural oils, ensures that garden furniture remains sturdy even when exposed to rain and moisture. Additionally, teak furniture can last for decades without rotting or deteriorating. Teak also does not crack, warp, or discolor when in contact with metals, making it ideal for furniture joints.
What Are the Types of Teak Wood?
Myanmar (Burma) Teak
Originating from Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, this teak variety has a straight grain pattern, coarse texture, and a golden brown color. Due to its age, natural growing conditions, and prominent grain, it is considered the highest quality teak. Burma teak is particularly preferred for high-quality garden furniture, shipbuilding, and luxury flooring.
Indonesian Teak
Grown in extensive plantations in Indonesia, especially on the island of Java, the quality of this teak varies regionally. Compared to Burma teak, it has a lighter color. Indonesian teak from state-controlled plantations is harvested sustainably. This type of teak is ideal for furniture production, carving, and decking.
Indian Teak
Sourced from various regions in India, this teak has a dark golden brown color and is often distinguished by its wavy grain patterns. Some regions, like Malabar, produce teak with striking dark streaks in the grain. Due to its aesthetic appeal and durability, Indian teak is widely used in furniture making, interior paneling, and shipbuilding.
Thai Teak
Once sourced from Thailand's picturesque regions, this teak was considered the highest quality. However, excessive logging has reduced its quality, resulting in less dense wood. Despite this decline, Thai teak still plays a significant role in traditional Thai architecture and furniture.
African Teak
Known as Afrormosia, this wood is not true teak but is grown in West Africa. It mimics teak in terms of durability and has a yellowish-brown color that darkens with age. Due to its durability, it is commonly used in flooring and boat building.
What Is the Price of Teak Wood per Cubic Meter?
The price of teak wood per cubic meter varies depending on its source and quality. Generally, high-quality Myanmar (Burma) teak ranges between 8,000 and 12,000 TL. Plantation-grown teak is usually more affordable, priced between 6,000 and 8,000 TL. These prices may vary based on the wood's processing, dimensions, and quantity purchased. Additionally, teak with sustainability certifications may be priced higher.
Due to its superior qualities and durability, teak is an ideal material for garden furniture. To experience the elegance and quality of teak garden furniture, you can explore our teak garden furniture collection via this link.