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Facts About Teak Wood & Its Applications

March 21, 2023 By Sozo Staff Leave a Comment

feq teak wood boards
FEQ teak wood boards

Teak wood has been used for centuries, due to its durability and resistance to rot and decay. In this article, we’ll give an overview regarding Teak, discussing its history, properties, applications, benefits and disadvantages, grading, origin, color variations, drying, installation, sizes, and how to properly care for it.

Note: Teak can be purchased by visiting mcilvain.com. J Gibson McIlvain Lumber Company delivers Teak all throughout the U.S.

teak logs for decking forklift
Pile of Teak logs which will soon be cut into Teak decking boards

History

The Teak tree (Tectona grandis) is native to India and Southeast Asia, where it has been used for hundreds of years for building boats, furniture, and decorations. Teak has been valued since ancient times for its strength and durability, as well as for its beauty and natural resistance to water and insects. Teak is still used today in many applications, from outdoor furniture to decking and flooring.

teak wood log sawmill
Teak log being cut at a sawmill into boards

Properties

Teak is a hardwood, with a Janka Hardness rating of 1000. It has a fine, even texture and a golden-brown color that darkens over time. Teak has a high oil content, which gives it its natural water-resistant properties, as well as making it resistant to rot and decay. It is also resistant to warping, splitting, and cracking, making it an ideal material for outdoor applications.

teak lumber mill log yard
Teak boards spread out at a lumber yard

Applications

Teak is used for a variety of applications, including outdoor furniture, decking, flooring, and trim. It is also used in boatbuilding and marine applications, as its natural water-resistant properties make it ideal for use in marine environments.

teak wood windows and trim
Teak wood windows & trim

Benefits & Disadvantages

The benefits of using Teak are its strength, durability, and natural resistance to water and insects. It is also easy to work with and has a beautiful aesthetic. The disadvantages of Teak are its high cost and the fact that it can be difficult to easily source high-quality Teak.

aft teak boat deck
Boat deck made with Teak boards

Grading

Teak is graded according to its density and straightness of grain. The highest grade, A-grade, is the most expensive and desirable, as it has the tightest grain and is the most resistant to warping, splitting, and cracking. The next grade down, B-grade Teak, is less expensive, but is still suitable for use in outdoor applications.

teak wood porch
Porch made with Teak flooring

Origin

Old growth Teak is primarily sourced from India and Southeast Asia, where it has been used for centuries. Teak is also imported into the United States from Teak plantations which are based throughout South America, Africa, and the Caribbean. There is a difference in wood quality and even wood properties between the old growth Teak and the plantation Teak.

Color Variations

Teak is naturally golden-brown in color, but it can be stained or treated to achieve a variety of different colors.

forklift loading kiln at mcilvain
Forklift loading lumber into kiln to dry at J Gibson McIlvain

Drying

Teak lumber should be properly dried before use. If the wood is not dried properly, it can cause warping, splitting, and cracking. Properly dried Teak should have a moisture content of between 8 and 12%. Teak can be either dried in a kiln or strictly air-dried based upon the specific application.

teak windows
House with Teak wood windows

Installation

Teak should be installed on a flat, level surface with a vapor barrier between the Teak and the substrate. It should also be pre-drilled and countersunk before installation.

feq teak wooden boards
FEQ teak wooden boards

Sizes

Teak boards are available in a variety of sizes, from thin strips to thick boards. The most common sizes are 2×4, 2×6, 2×8, 4×4, and 4×6.

teak fighting chair
Teak fighting chair in boat

Care

Teak should be cleaned regularly with a mild detergent and a soft brush. If the wood is left untreated, it will eventually turn a silver-gray color. To prevent this, the wood should be treated with a teak oil or sealer in order to help the wood retain its rich golden brown color.

j gibson mcilvain lumber delivery truck
J Gibson McIlvain lumber delivery trucks

J. Gibson McIlvain Company

Since 1798, when Hugh McIlvain established a lumber business near Philadelphia, the McIlvain family has been immersed in the premium import and domestic lumber industry. With its headquarters located just outside of Baltimore, the J. Gibson McIlvain Company (www.mcilvain.com) is one of the largest U.S. importers of exotic woods.

As an active supporter of sustainable lumber practices, the J. Gibson McIlvain Company has provided fine lumber for notable projects throughout the world, including the White House, Capitol building, Supreme Court, and the Smithsonian museums.

Contact a representative at J. Gibson McIlvain today by calling (800) 638-9100.

Filed Under: Construction, Flooring, Lumber

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