TEAK- Tectona grandis:

Teak (technically known as tectona grandis) recognised as a most valuable premium wood has been proven to be the best wood for use in the great outdoors. As a result of its high rubber content, this wood has a natural resistance to heat, water and frost without the benefit of any treatment or special coating.

Teak combines the quality of a rich and pleasing appearance with a durability that is unequalled by any other timber. Because of its natural oils, teak is very durable and resistant to moisture, termites and the drying effects of exposure to different weather conditions. Teak is very valuable wood and is sought for the deck, trim, detail work in expensive boats and for fine furniture, flooring, carving, joinery, cabinetwork, paneling and veneer.

Teak grows very rapidly but still takes approximately 30 to 40 years to mature. Teak forests in Indonesia stand as one of the major teak resources of the world. The teak forests are found mainly on the Java Island , covering an area of about 1 million ha. About 18 % of these productive teak plantations are 40 years and over, producing teak wood for the domestic wood based industry and for export. Teak plantations are being established at the rate of about 10,000 ha/year as a part of the reforestation programme (Perum Perhutan, 1993).

Teak Maintenance: Teak does not require any special maintenance routine. In outdoors, the exposed surfaces of the furniture will become soft silvery grey in color. Many people like to maintain this natural silver grey color in which we recommend simply cleaning the furniture. Besides, weather will cause some surface erosion leading to slight surface roughness, possible mildew and checking. Checking is a natural process that occurs when teak develops small thread like cracks in the end grain. This process does not affect the strength of the furniture.

Therefore the finish on teak furniture only helps to maintain the new look without having any effect on its durability. Usually it is done by either applying teak oil or using teak sealants.