The best magazine
This beautiful, relatively care-free and amazingly versatile hardwood was all the rage in the 50's and 60's, especially among Danish furniture lovers, and it's now enjoying a rebirth thanks to its many attributes.
Teak (Tectona) is a tropical hardwood that grows predominantly in South America and Southeast Asia.
The trees reach heights of 30-40 meters (100 - 130 feet).
Although there are three species of teak, Tectona grandis, or "Common Teak" is the wood that is used for furniture.
It grows in abundance and is not considered to be endangered.
Knowing the value of Teak to their economy, Asians practice precise and frugal forestry management practices when growing and harvesting their teak for export.
Most Teak grown for export is raised on carefully managed commercial forest plantations.
The wood is so heavy that in Thailand, elephants are still used to transport Teak lumber from the plantations to the boats that take the Teak lumber to market.
Teak is a very popular wood that is used for manufacturing outdoor furniture as well as boats, boat decks, boat hatches, home flooring, outdoor decks and a variety of indoor furniture including bookcases, dressers, tables, etc.
Teak is valued by craftsmen and boat builders because it is very easy to work with, is extremely water and insect-proof, and will not easily split, warp or interact with corrosive materials such as metal screws, nails and fittings.
The naturally occurring Teak oil is responsible, in part, for the durability of this versatile wood.
Because Teak is not a food source for termites, it is especially prized in areas where termites are found in great quantities such as in the U.
S.
Southern states, Africa and India.
Teak furniture, especially outdoor Teak furniture, was once so expensive that it could only be afforded by royalty.
It became very popular in England during the Victorian Era of the 1800's where it was found in the gardens and on the patios of only the wealthiest families.
Today Teak is affordable but still runs towards the high range of hardwood prices.
But its durability, strength and beautiful honey tones, that mellow to a soft grey as the wood ages, makes it worth the price.
Teak is easy to maintain.
Outdoor Teak furniture should be washed down once per year and then treated with Teak oil.
If the wood has mellowed and turned grey, the color can be restored with just a light sanding.
But the choice is yours because the wood retains its natural beauty no matter what color it is.
In particularly damp or humid areas, Teak will sometimes support the growth of mold.
This is easily removed by using a 1:4 water/bleach mixture, rinsing the wood off and then applying several coats of Teak oil after the wood is thoroughly dry.
Buying Teak Furniture Because Teak is all the rage now, there are Teak furniture dealers everywhere you look.
Be careful when buying your Teak furniture so you don't end up with a Teak veneer piece instead of one made from solid Teak.
Reputable Teak furniture dealers will distinguish between solid Teak and Teak veneers but if you're buying your Teak furniture from a used furniture store or from a garage sale, then examine the piece carefully before you plunk down your hard-earned money! If you're in the market for a new patio set, or any sort of outdoor furniture, consider buying Teak outdoor furniture instead of Redwood or that ugly PVC plastic stuff.
You might have to pay a little bit more, but you're investment in Teak outdoor furniture will pay off for a lifetime.
Source: ...