Trade Names
Teak
Similar Woods
Origin
Southeast Asia
Range
Occurs in India through Burma to Thailand and Vietnam. Best known countries for high quality logs are Burma and Thailand. Due to the heavy demand in the sixties, seventies and eighties the forest stands were heavily exploited which has had a strong negative effect on the quality today. Exact sorting as a result of state-controlled selling possible, especially in Burma. Today often grown in plantations although of questionable quality.
Uses
Teak numbers amongst the oldest commercial lumbers. Due to its resistance to fungi and insect infestation ideal for shipbuilding. High quality wood for architectural woodwork and mass-produced furniture which went out of fashion, however, in Central Europe in the eighties and nineties. Now as before a popular wood for furniture in Scandinavia though.
Properties
In the veneer trade a difference is made between Golden Teak and Streaked Teak. The wood has a slightly oily surface.
Machining
As a general rule machining Teakwood presents no problems. Mineral deposits in the wood have a severe dulling effect on tools. Very smooth surfaces can be achieved by using carbide-tipped tools.
Seasoning
The wood has to be dried slowly and carefully but no particular problems are involved. There is no tendency to check or warp.
Finishing
Special surface finishes should be used for the treatment of Teak. The surface, which needs to be thoroughly brushed down, should be treated with oil for interior work and with varnishes for external applications.
Jointing
Gluing is more difficult due to the oil content, however, screw and nail joints hold well.