Why Teakwood furniture?
Why Teakwood furniture?
Teak has always been a prized material. It is the hardest, most durable and strongest of the hardwoods. Along with this come the beautiful grains to flaunt on the exterior. All of this adds to the favoritism of teak all around the globe.
The tree that teak comes from, Tectona grandis, is native to the tropics. Since around the 7th century, it has been used to outfit and adorn the residences of the wealthy and powerful. The wood’s reputation made its way out of the region through the Dutch, who colonized Indonesia.
Since the best wood furniture made from teak comes from mature trees, it can take around 80 years before a teak tree planted today is harvested for wood. Because of this, and because teak is such an excellent wood material, old teak is often reclaimed — for example, from old structures slated to be torn down — and given new life as furniture.
Let’s have a look at its properties briefly:
- TEAK IS WEATHER RESISTANT
An outstanding feature of teak furniture is the ability to withstand all types of weather. It is one of the few woods in the world containing natural oil which repels water, keeping it from warping, cracking or becoming brittle. Furniture made from teak will withstand the harsh effects of hard rains, severe winter snow storms and broiling sun without its strength diminishing.
- TEAK IS PEST RESISTANT
The same resins and oils that protect against weather, also serve as repellents against insects like termites and marine borers - TEAK IS LOW MAINTENANCE
The wood’s high oil content teak will fade to a beautiful even colored patina and will not look patchy or black. If your desire is to show off it’s showroom lustre, then apply a natural teak sealer from a marine store when needed. - TEAK LASTS A LIFETIME
Teak makes for very strong and long-lasting furniture. Purchasing a piece of furniture made from teak may mean you will be able to one day give it to your grandkids!
- TEAK IS BEAUTIFUL AND STAYS BEAUTIFUL
When new, Teak wood furniture has a honey brown colour. Over time it will age naturally into an elegant patina grey. If you don’t want the original colour to fade. In its original state or weathered grey, the natural teak wood complements any outdoor space with class.
Further, teak furniture never rusts. Other woods will start to rust and deteriorate when in contact with metal. Teak is one of the few woods which do not.
Teak has greater naturally weather-resistant properties than just about any other type of wood. When dried to a proper moisture level — around 10 percent of its original content — the oils and rubber weatherproof the wood. The oils also protect the wood from dry rot, which is a common problem in older wooden furniture.What’s more, the oils and rubber protect the heart of the wood from invaders like fungi and parasites that can destroy other woods. Protecting wooden furniture from such intruders requires applications of weatherproof oils and treatments; not so with teak.
We hope this helps in understanding the reason why teak is a preferred tropical wood.