So you're buying a new patio set and you've heard touted the many virtues of teak, but you don't really know much about the mystery hardwood and want to learn more before investing your time and money into what can be a rather costly venture. Get ahead on the basics (and impress your friends) with this handy primer on teak outdoor furniture.



Names

Latin- Tectona Grandis

Indonesian- Jati

Tamil- Thekkhu

Popular- The King of Woods

Description

Type- Tropical hardwood birch in the family Verbenaceae, teak is also a perennial grower

Height- Teak trees can grow upwards of 30-40 meters tall

Color- Varies from a straw color to amber, to a rich brownish-red

Durability- Teak is considered a Class 1 wood (the most durable). As a point of reference, American Oak is Class 2 and Western Red Cedar is Class 3

Origin

Teak is native to the monsoon forests of Southeast Asia and grows in low density areas of about 1-5 trees per acre. It has been used since the 7th century as a building material. In 1856 the first teak plantation appeared in Burma. Teak outdoor furniture became popular in India, and from there, Great Britain, whose colonial presence was strong in the subcontinent.

Maintenance

Teak is the most resistant of woods to rotting, warping and cracking. It's one of the strongest hardwoods in existence and produces its own natural oils so it requires much less protective sealant than other outdoor wood furniture. Once a year is sufficient for oiling, less if furniture is kept inside. Too much oiling can turn the wood black. These naturally produced resins, called techno quinines, also repel termites. Cover teak patio furniture with a water-repellant tarp when not in use, but make sure furniture is dry beforehand or molding may occur.

Buyer Beware

Not all wood that claims to be teak is technically authentic teak furniture. If a product says that it is “teak oiled wood furniture” chances are it's not teak, but rather another wood that has simply been coated with natural teak oil. Similarly, anything that claims to be “teak-like” isn't teak, or if something is “stronger than teak” you'd have to stop and wonder what. There's really no wood stronger.

Fun Factoids

- In Asia, teak is still transported the traditional way, via elephant, because the logs are too heavy to float in water

- Teak was predominantly used for shipbuilding because it is resistant to saltwater damage and even helps to reduce rust on metal hardware.

- In Europe, some park benches have been made from repurposed teak ship decks that are over 100 years old

- Over time teak undergoes a solar patina effect and takes on an elegant grayish color

- Prime teak trees can live to be a century old

- Teak is a very flexible wood that will bend rather than break from harsh winds, yet another reason it's a perfect building material

- Today Teak is also grown and harvested in Central and South America, where the temperatures are comparable to the climate of Southeastern Asia