Teak wood has long been a preferred material for home interiors due to its rich, classy appearance and is extremely durable, wood of teak has been the preferred choice for home interiors for a long time. Teak is good for furniture as in teak wood beds or as intricate woodwork, which is beautiful as well as strong. Now the selection of teak wood can be tricky because of so much variety. By knowing about different types, costs and applications of teak wood can help to make a decision of right or wrong teak wood for interior decor of your home.
Types of Teak Wood
Burma/Burmese Teak Wood
Burma teak is one of the most premium varieties of teak wood that’s grown native to Myanmar. It is known for its rich, golden brown color and strong wood grain, and is highly durable boasting natural teak oil resulting in termite resistance and decay resistance. The wood requires more than 50 years to grow and is priced between Rs 7,500 and Rs 9,000 per cubic foot. Burma Border teak prices go lower, though, and they start at around Rs 5,000 per cubic foot.
Indian Teak Wood
India is home to old growth Indian teak native to India that is highly sought after within India. It is scarce internationally compared to Burmese teak, but has similar qualities. Burma teak is priced about the same as Indian teak, especially for the highest grades.
Thailand Teak Wood
Because its growth conditions are excellent, Thailand teak is considered superior to Burmese Teak. Being this variety so strong and durable it is little available in the global market, and therefore rare.
Indonesian Teak Wood
Indonesian teak, also known as Asian teak, takes close to 30 years to grow. The wood grains are wider, medium oily with light brown color having slight grey hue. Burmese teak is lighter than this wood and it has more sound knots.
African Teak Wood
African teak grows fast and matures in 15 – 25 years. Having a lower oil content, the variety makes for less durable. The sapwood is cream colored, grains are wide, and knots are visible. The wood is light brown.
South American Teak Wood
In appearance and quality, this variety resembles closely to African teak. Equally durable, colored and grown, it’s an alternative that is significantly more affordable.
Chinese and Brazilian teak, along with other similar appearing teak like varieties, are of lesser quality. These types are generally low priced as the prices start from Rs 1,200 per cubic foot.
How to Identify Teak Wood
- Color and Grain Pattern
Teak when freshly cut is golden or yellowish brown, but upon aging it becomes light or dark brown, respectively. Depending on the method of sawing the wood grain is typically straight and can be wavy. It also has a smooth texture, a slight sheen and a teak wood has natural oils. - Natural Oils and Fragrance
Natural oils in teak wood protect it from decay and pest. Real teak feels just slightly greasy when you touch it, and has a distinctive leathery aroma, particularly so when it’s fresh cut or freshly sanded. - Hardness and Weight
Teak is a hardwood, which is why it’s dense and heavy. Teak makes a solid sound when tapped, and feels much heavier than any other type of wood. - End Grain
The pores in teak wood are small and they are evenly spaced along the end pit of the teak wood. The grain is clean and smooth, these pores being free of resin or gum. - Water Test
Teak wood is water-resistant. Due to its natural oils it won’t absorb water, water would bead up on its surface if you put it on its surface.
Uses of Teak Wood
- Furniture: Teak wood is very cherished for furniture making, some with outdoors furniture in specific, because of strength to extreme weather conditions for many decades without the matter of decaying.
- Marine Applications: Teak is resistant to water and therefore very decay resistant, making it ideal to be used in boat building, especially in the use of decking, railings or onboard furniture.
- Doors and Windows: Teak, from this, is also extremely tough, making it the ideal choice when crafting doors and windows that we expect to see exposure to the elements.
- Decorative Items and Flooring: Because of beauty and high durability, teak wood is also popular for making decorative indoor items, shelves and floor.
- Cutting Boards and Countertops: Cutting boards and counters made of teak are a good kitchen material due to its naturally oil coated and moisture and bacteria resistant quality.
How to Take Care of Teak Wood
Teak wood needs little maintenance, but left in the sun falls grey. You may even apply marine varnish or teak oil, to preserve its color and to protect it from the UV rays. To clean dirty teak woodwork or furniture, scrub it with a solution of bleach or vinegar and warm water followed by thorough rinsing.
Advantages of Teak Wood
- Termite and Pest Resistance: A natural resistance to termites and other insects is given by teak wood courtesy of natural oils in it.
- Moisture Resistance: Over time, though, teak is believed to lose some of its weather resistance.
- Low Maintenance: Teak is relatively low maintenance, there’s no need to paint or much polishing of techwood.
- Durability: It’s teak, weather won’t rot it for decades.
Disadvantages of Teak Wood
- High Cost: Because teak wood is expensive, it is a luxury material.
- Limited Availability: Teak of premium variety, e.g. Burma teak, is not easily available.
- Tool Wear: Teak is also hard, and thus will wear your woodworking tools down faster than softer woods.
Conclusion
Teak wood is strong, beautiful, durable, and is the top choice when it comes to home interiors, especially furniture and outdoor use. Walls and Dreams Knowing what different types of teak wood it is and how much it costs will assist you in buying teak logs for home.
