What is Teak Wood?
Teak wood is the eye-catching lumber that comes from a tree species native to South and Southeast Asia called Tectona grandis. More commonly today, teak is seen in the form of nice furniture, cabinetry, flooring, cutting boards and boat decks.
What makes Teak Wood so special?
Teak wood is special for three main qualities: its beauty, its strength, and its self-preservation.
Teak lumber is known for being a very attractive wood. It’s recognized specifically for its yellowish color and its unique grain pattern. The distinctive beauty of this wood has resulted in an increased demand for household furniture and flooring made with teak lumber.
While the aesthetics of teak are obvious, what may not be so clear to the naked eye is the wood’s strength and flexibility. Teak is a very durable wood. It is resistant to water and varying weather conditions, which is why its usage in shipbuilding and outdoor furniture is so widespread. It is also pliable, which makes it easier to work with and less likely to get damaged.
While most woods need to be protected from water stains, termites and rotting, teak wood protects itself. Teak lumber produces an oily resin that resists rotting and keeps termites away without requiring any extra maintenance.
Where can I find eco-friendly Teak?
To protect the environment and, more specifically, the teak forests in Southeast Asia, you should buy from a sustainable teak wood plantation. In these plantations teak is able to grow without using fertilizers or irrigation. Because plantation teak is sustainable, it is now actually considered a renewable resource!
Latin America is home to many of the sustainable teak plantations. Because of its close proximity to the United States, the use of these sustainable plantations is not only helping the environment, but it reduces the shipping costs. Purchasing teak from sustainable plantations in Central and South America is a more eco-friendly and ethical alternative to “Burmese teak.” Burmese teak is one of the main sources financing the military junta in Myanmar. Although direct importation of Burmese teak is prohibited by the US Treasury Department, it still manages to find its way (indirectly) into the United States. Contrary to common belief, teak grown in the jungles of Myanmar does not have a longer life or greater durability.
Purchase the beautiful, eco-friendly teak from a nearby sustainable teak plantation and you and your environment will be happy.