Woodwork remains a timeless beauty when it comes to furniture or any type of home décor added to a space. We all love to decorate our homes in our own ways that depict our individualistic style and character for our space. The most desirable choice of timber for interior décor and furniture making is teak wood.
Teak wood remains the first choice for people as far as its aesthetics and luxury are concerned. Teakwood proves beneficial in its durability, sturdiness, rich and vibrant golden brown colour and grain pattern due to its inherent oils natural properties. It is the one wood that shows exceptional resistant capabilities. It is resistant to several detrimental agents like pests whilst able to take on polish and varnish agents with no side effects to further enhance its beauty.
The benefit of teakwood doesn’t end here. It’s water-proofing abilities make it stand out from other choices in the market. It is resistant to moisture and thus make an ideal choice for creating outdoor furniture like patio tables, benches, chairs and even storage items for your home. However, it is best to protect the timber with polish and/or varnish to extend its longevity and natural beauty. Like any other timber, Teak wood expands and contracts/shrinks with change in season or weather when exposed but to a relatively small degree. There is almost no probability of surface cracks with teak wood.
This close-grained and dense hardwood hails primarily from Southern Asia countries. However, the charm it exudes goes beyond Asia as it is popular in the Western countries as well. It has a smooth golden texture that looks exceptional and is great for both indoor and outdoor furniture material. Furthermore, it is considered among the strongest woods used in furniture and other purposes. It is resistant to extreme weather conditions and even warping and rotting. Again, the self-regulating feature of this wood adds to its attraction when compared to its other counterparts. For instance, the wood stays cool during the hot summer months while becoming warm during winter. Unlike other alternatives like metal, it regulates temperature.
It is a low-maintenance material that can last up to several generations. You can maintain its golden colour with just an occasional wash with a soapy liquid or other treatment products readily available at your local hardware stores or with the manufacturers.
The popularity of teakwood furniture began in England. At that point in time, the use of teakwood became extensive all throughout the country. It was used to construct benches and other varieties of furniture. It was also used in making sailing decks, and hulls for ships. With teak benches gaining more popularity across the United Kingdom, more and more manufacturers started creating a greater number of outdoor furniture with teak. Thus, started a tradition of teakwood furniture.
To date, most estates around England showcase Teakwood indoor and outdoor furniture with great pride and grandeur. For instance, the Lutyens bench is one such popular example that establishes the significance teak holds since time immemorial. Teak is also a sustainable choice adding to its list of benefits. It’s an eco-friendly material and in several countries around the world, teak wood comes from forests that are managed by the governments of countries like India, Burma (Myanmar), Ghana, and Indonesia.
In India, teak wood furniture is prevalent choice for traditional as well as modern households, especially for main doors and Pooja room doors. If you are looking for options that establishes the prominence of teak then read on. Now, teak comes in different varieties, mostly defined by where the timber grew and originated from.
Teak wood is surprising common these days in most Indian households and buildings. You will find several suppliers and dealers claiming to provide the best teakwood. However, you must do your homework, shop around in your local markets both online and physically while making your research. Because it is significant to familiarize oneself with various types of teak wood available in the market, particularly their individual features, nature of applications, benefits, and even costs so as to make the right choice.
One should also be aware that there are imitations readily available in most markets that you must avoid. For example, some furniture retailers in Bangalore claim the ‘sofas are made with Assam teak’ which is most likely an imitation or Acacia timber that looks exactly like Teak wood. You would never want to waste your money on imitations, even if they’re cheaper and thus you must inquire and know the right ways for identifying genuine teak wood as it becomes much more crucial to ensure an authentic and genuine purchase in this current time. Another example, golden teak is not the authentic variety though it resembles true teak wood. Genuine Teak wood is indigenous in Southeast Asia and India to be in particular, and it is cultivated majorly for its various economic benefits.
Teak wood is quite expensive, and it is important for a buyer to have some knowledge about the wood they would choose before investing in them, after all it could be your biggest spend/investment when constructing your dream house. There are several methods to apply. Some methods to identify their genuineness is to check the colour, which varies from one another depending on their species. For example,
- Acacia and Teak both display golden-brown hues but only Teak won’t bend or warp for lengths after 4 feet.
- Burma Teak and Indian Teak both often appearing same and whilst both are Teak wood, Burma Teak would have straight thin grains whilst most India teak would have dark curvy grains along with a strong smell of the timber.
The grain pattern is another characteristic to look out for, typically straight but occasionally showcasing a wavy pattern depending on the place of origin. The timber possesses a unique fragrance as it contains natural oil content, some intense and some not evident. This oil acts as a protection against decay and termites. A general rule of thumb is to go with timber that has higher oil contents which enables your furniture or décor to last for decades, if not centuries. Genuine teak wood is moderate weight, it heavier than timbers like Silver Oak or Pine and lighter than timbers like Rosewood or Mahagony. Assessing the weight can help one determine its authenticity. The sapwood of teak displays a yellowish-white hue, whereas the heartwood teak displays shades of golden brown or darker brown. These features can assist in the identification of authentic teak wood.
Teak Wood Applications
- Teak wood is highly durable and even water resistant when well protected with varnish, making it a suitable choice for a variety of applications across furniture making, ship building, luxury car interiors and construction industries.
- Teak wood is used in marine carpentry because of its exceptional ability to withstand harsh weather conditions. It is used in making railings, decks, and furniture including cabinetry, for maritime settings. Teak wood is also an excellent choice for constructing rudders and masts for ships.
- Teak wood exhibits remarkable endurance, resistance against weather elements, water, and exceptional stability, which contributes to its rampant popularity as one of the most preferred varieties of wood for crafting outdoor furniture till date. The timber can withstand both heat and rain and can endure extreme weather conditions for at least 70 years of lifespan. Isn’t it remarkable?
- Deck railings can be crafted using this type of wood.
- Used in making wooden ornamental and décor pieces.
- Teak wood is utilized for flooring purposes.
- Shelving units can be constructed using this material.
- It proves to be an excellent material for producing cutting boards and countertops.
- Doors and windows including frames are extensively manufactured using teak wood.
Indian Teak wood (Saagwan wood)
Indian teak, commonly and locally referred to as Saagwan wood mostly originates from the central plateau and western ghats of India, which today would be states like Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra Madhya Pradesh and parts of Telangana. It is also found in Assam and Indian borders with Myanmar (at which point it becomes ‘Burma Teak’) . The colour of this wood varies between light and dark brown with a touch of yellow depending on which part of India it originates from. The grain pattern of the Indian teak wood ranges between delicate and coarse thus depending on the type of wood you choose.
Indian teak wood is known for its long-term durability and ability to resist pests and decays. It is known to have the highest natural oil content amongst all Teaks due to the rich Indian soil. Today, it has acquired fame in the global market for its excellence, thus costing much more than the Burmese teak wood.
Saagwan wood possesses a notable attribute in its abundant oil content, granting it exceptional resistance to damages caused by water. As a result, it becomes an ideal choice of material for use in areas with prevalent moisture levels. Demonstrating a pleasant light brown colour and delicate texture, saag wan wood exudes an undeniable allure.
Genuine naturally grown Indian Saagwan team wood is only made available local Government Timber Depots in India across various states. This is usually procured by timber merchants like Harsha Timbers during generally help public auctions (which even a consumer) can participate it.
There are several strict rules and obligations that are required to be met by the government to safely and legally move/transport the timber. Price and cost of the timber this gets established by way of the auctions and attached related costs.
One may also find plantation teak wood in india however must exercise much caution at the time of procurement as plantation teak do not carry the same high qualities of naturally grown Indian teak wood. This is because plantation teak are usually grown alongside with other crop at the same location which reduces the soils natural properties to be available for teak wood. You can identify plantation teak if they’re much thinner than other teak woods when in its log state.
Burma Teak wood
Burma teak wood is primarily found in and originates from Myanmar. It is usually lumbered by 50-70 years of its age for commercial purposes as the timber grows mush faster in Burma when compared to India. This enables the plantation of forests by Burmese authorities and sustained felling at a much higher rate than what can be possible in India.
Like the Indian counterpart, this variety of wood has a golden shade with straight grain lines that looks appealing. The Burma teak wood also has a grain pattern, and healthy natural teak tree oil content.
Burma Teak is considered a bit heavy and has a higher density than any other varieties of teak woods that are found with the current suppliers in the market. They are also expensive and rare as there are restrictions on logging and trading nowadays. Therefore, one should only purchase from the reliable sources after doing ample research on the different choices you get from the suppliers these days.
Ghana Teak wood
Ghana Teak Wood is popular for its unique properties, thus making it a much sought-after material in the timber market. It comes from a country that has abundant forests. Ghana Teak Wood has several positive qualities that make it more expensive than other varieties of teak wood found in the present marketplace. The wood has significant features to consider such as resistance to decay, and dimensional stability which makes it ideal for applications in wet environments such as garages, kitchens, and bathrooms.
It can easily identified by its darker intense brown colour almost like a dark coffee with a lot of covering white sap wood. The heartwood is normally very slim with visible cracks running right across the heart line.
Ghana Teak Wood is a compelling choice for panelling, windows, floors, and luxurious boats due to its lower cost provide when compared with Burma or Indian teak. This wood is also a reasonable choice for woodwork.
In India, the price of Ghana Teak Wood ranges from low to moderate depending the import times and applicable duties at the time of import.
African Teak wood
Though African teak wood may not be authentic species of teak wood, they are native to many countries in the West Africa. They are often categorized in the Teak wood category because of their resemblance in beauty and other properties. It is easy to identify African teak as they are found to be a bit reddish-brown in colour and deepen over time. Also, its unique look is mainly because of its intricate grain pattern.
The African teak wood has great strength and is known for its solidity and natural resistance to decay. The timber is also durable and therefore used for decking, flooring, and outdoor furniture. When looking out for African teak, apart from its unique shade and grain structure, it is important to note that they are bulkier and more massive than any types of hardwood found in the market. The African Teak wood is grown over a period of 15-25 years or so. It, however, has low oil content and thus results in lower strength compared to other types of teak woods.
South American Teak wood
Nowadays, it is complicated to distinguish African teaks from any other varieties in the Indian market. The Brazilian teak wood, Chinese teak wood, and South American Teak wood have similar appearances but differ in term of its quality. Brazilian teak wood contains high oil content and is also found to be waterproof and strong. The Chinese teak is mainly used for hardwood flooring as they are tough.
Indonesian Teak wood
Commonly referred to as Asian teak, this exquisite timber has grown in the perfect environment for a period of 30 years or so and is praised for its superior quality. The pale brown colour is accompanied by a greyish hue, broad wood grain that is somewhat distinct with solid knots, and average oil content.
The golden hue and intricate grain of Javanese teak, also known as Indonesian teak, thus making it an ideal choice for making any kind of outdoor furniture. This incredibly hard-wearing wood is highly resistant to damage and fading, thus retaining its captivating good looks and structural integrity for a long time.
Chinese Teak wood
Paulownia is a wood species that lies between hardwood and softwood due to its broad annual growth rings. China is home to 16 Paulownia varieties, often used as street trees, in the plywood and packaging industries. This species has several advantages, notably that it can be harvested in as little as 5-7 years or so and produce quality wood that can be employed in different segments to be particular in carpentry, packaging, and other fields.
It is essential that the introduction of this species in Manipur is undertaken with strict regulation, thus considering the effect it could have on the native plants and animals, the local ecosystem, and biodiversity. However, despite this caution, many individuals have begun planting this species on a large scale with hefty investments, paying up to 35 rupees per seedling.
Forest Teak wood vs. Plantation Teak wood
Teak wood, particularly forest teak wood, is an exquisite treasure of nature. This special variety has a deep history and gorgeous aesthetic, largely attributed to its slow growth rate in rainforests. It has an elevated amount of natural oils, rendering it durable and granting it its familiar golden colour. Its one-of-a-kind grain patterns only enhance its beauty, making each piece of furniture unique.
The responsible harvesting of forest teak wood is paramount for the conservation of rainforests and maintaining the delicate equilibrium between demand and production. Selective cutting and replanting endeavours to provide a lasting, renewable resource for the future. Nonetheless, this process can still affect the overall environment, as logging large logs and transport may cause disruption and erosion. Fortunately, with prudent management, the ecological impact can be kept to a minimum.
In the last few years or so, the demand for teak wood has surpassed the natural supply from forests. As a result, plantation teak wood has emerged as a reliable option for the wood enthusiasts. Grown in regulated environments, plantation teak wood offers numerous advantages for the users when compared to its forest counterpart.
Plantation teak wood is developed in controlled conditions, thus ensuring an ample supply of superior timber. The trees are arranged in orderly rows, promoting faster growth and minimal resource competition. This organized technique leads to fast maturation than that of forest teak wood, which takes decades to fully mature.
One of the chief benefits of plantation teak wood is its enhanced sustainability. By cultivating teak in plantations, it reduces the strain on the natural forests, thus allowing them to replenish and flourish. Plantation teak wood can fulfil the growing need for teak while protecting the delicate rainforest ecosystems.
Nevertheless, there are worries concerning plantation teak wood, particularly concerning its influence on the genetic variety. The single-crop approach utilized in the plantations can cause a decline in the genetic variance within the teak trees. This drop-in diversity can make the plantations more vulnerable to diseases and bugs. Attempts are being made to address these issues by incorporating genetic diversity into plantation teak wood.
When it comes to the visual appeal, forest teak wood leads with its diverse grain designs and profound golden shade variations. Every item of forest teak wood furniture is a unique piece of art, thus depicting the grandeur of nature to it.
Plantation teak wood possesses its own appeal with a more unified look and a consistent grain pattern. This uniformity can be advantageous for those who desire a more streamlined and contemporary style in their line of furniture.
When it comes to robustness and resistance, both forest and plantation teak wood are esteemed for their impressive properties. The natural oils in teak wood make it highly resistant to deterioration, pests, and warping. Both types can withstand the wear and tear of time and everyday use.
In terms of sustainability, plantation teak wood also has the upper hand due to its regulated growing methods. While responsible forest management endeavours to lessen the impact of forest teak wood production, the controlled conditions of plantations can offer more command and predictability in terms of sustainability.
When it comes to pricing and accessibility, forest teak wood tends to be on the more expensive side and can be challenging to obtain due to its limited availability and the laborious process of extracting it from ancient rainforests. On the other hand, plantation teak wood is readily accessible and generally more budget-friendly.
Reclaimed Teak wood vs Plantation Teak wood
Reclaimed Teak wood, an exceedingly rare find, can be traced back to a handful of locations across the globe. These forests, thriving for centuries prior to the surging demand for teak, housed ancient trees that stood tall for 300-500 years or even longer. In the 1800s, these majestic beings were felled to construct local homes, boats, and buildings.
The relentless elements of heat, moisture, and time have further strengthened this already robust wood, thus imbuing it with a distinct patina found nowhere else on our mother planet. However, as with any structure, there comes a time when they succumb to their own timeline, either due to structural instability or irreparable damage. At this juncture, these buildings are slated for demolition, whether due to structural concerns, rezoning, or new construction projects. Harsha Timber seizes the opportunity to bid on the salvaged wood, which is then transported to their factory for a mesmerizing metamorphosis into breath taking reclaimed teak products — from flooring and tile to decking and beyond. Hence, customers get a range of options choosing Harsha
Timber whenever it comes to choosing teak wood.
Plantation Teak, cultivated at a rapid pace and harvested hastily to cater to the demand for affordable Teak, yields a wood of inferior quality in density and strength compared to the trees from old-growth Teak forests. The boards made from plantation teak wood are even susceptible to cracks and wraps because they are grown quickly.
This type of wood is known to possess softer and greener features, and the younger trees among this variety show a higher proportion of lower branches, thus resulting in pin knots formation. These pin knots lead to defects that compromise the wood’s stability. Also, the cultivation of plantation Teak makes it necessary to comply with more maintenance, well-defined cutting practices, water consumption, and deforestation. Thus, plantation teak wood is suitable for making furniture, boats, or other types of accessories because of its eco-friendly properties.
Teak wood Grading
Teak wood comes in three distinct grades that you must know about to make the right decision of wood you need for your own individual project. Each of these grades have its distinct characteristics that significantly influences the outdoor performance and long-lasting nature of furniture. It is of utmost significance to comprehend the disparities between these grades and learn about the ways to discern the superior quality teak from any inferior timber.
Grade A
Starting first with Grade A teak. This grade of wood represents the epitome of teak wood quality. It pertains to the timber extracted from the core of a fully-grown tree, known as the heartwood. Distinguished by its consistent, golden brown hue, fine grains, and lustrous surface that imparts an oil-like texture upon touch, Grade A teak stands out in many accounts. Its remarkable resistance to adverse weather conditions and ability to repel insects can be attributed to its abundance of natural teak oils. Sadly, Grade A teak comprises only a fraction of wood in the global market, approximately one-fifth to one-quarter, of the entire log, thus commanding a lofty price.
Grade B
Next in line is the Grade B teak wood. The Type B teak is derived from the outer portion of the heartwood, making up approximately 25% to 33% of the log. In comparison to type A teak, type B teak has a paler hue to it, coupled with inconsistent grain, and reduced lustre. It possesses minimal amounts of teak’s natural oils, which makes it less capable of enduring exposure to harsh outdoor conditions without any additional protective measures. Even with these protections in place, it does not come close to the longevity offered by furniture crafted from the finest quality teak.
Grade C
‘Inferior teak wood’ referred to as Grade C teak, is derived from the outer sections of a mature log (sapwood) and from logs of the younger trees. This variety of teak lacks the naturally occurring protective oils that are present in the higher-grade teak displays uneven colouring, and is more prone to damage due to its softer texture. Furniture made from Grade C teak is thus considered unsuitable for any type of indoor use, as its softness renders it less resistant to any kind of harm.
Despite originating from the same tree species, Grade C teak does not share any similarities with that of the high-quality teak in terms of outdoor durability, visual attractiveness, or longevity.
Although Grade C teak garden furniture might be more budget-friendly, its lifetime is considerably shortened even when treated with any protective layer or oiled on a regular basis.
Teak wood alternatives
All in all, the allure of teak wood furniture lies in its beautiful grain patterns, sleek finish, charming appearance, and unparalleled longevity. Moreover, there are numerous other attractive features. Furthermore, teak wood boasts a high mineral and natural oil content, resulting in a glossy sheen. All of which makes it a one remarkable material for making furniture and other items that would stay with you for decades.
Buying teak wood furniture is a wise and long-lasting choice for people looking to invest in stylish home furnishings. However, the high cost of teak wood can be a significant deterrent, especially for those who have a limited budget that makes it somewhat difficult for everyone to afford them. So, what are some alternative options available for you? Let’s find out next.
Acacia Wood
Acacia Wood serves as a popular hardwood variety, predominantly utilized in crafting outdoor furnishings. Though it presents a more budget-friendly alternative to teak wood, its sturdiness is somewhat inferior to teak. While acacia wood might not be perfect for a long-lasting investment, it should not be overlooked altogether.
The reason is that this variety of wood naturally lacks essential oils and minerals but can even undergo treatment or coating to improve its robustness and its ability to be weather-resistant for several exterior applications. For those with a limited budget or who need it for small projects, such as furniture items for outdoor or garden areas, acacia wood is an appropriate choice to take into consideration.
Eucalyptus Wood
Like teak wood, Eucalyptus wood also contains minerals and natural oils, thus making it an advantageous choice in terms of stability, liability, and durability. Furthermore, eucalyptus is a rapidly-growing plant that thrives in almost every country across the globe.
In terms of longevity and resilience, outdoor eucalyptus furniture can effortlessly endure for an extended period without exhibiting any such signs of wear or damage, provided it receives proper care and maintenance. Likewise, concerns related to moisture, rot, decay, and similar harm sources can be set aside.
Therefore, it is justifiable to rank eucalyptus wood immediately below teak wood when considering durability and resistance. As for availability, there should be no difficulties in procuring eucalyptus wood furniture. The price of this type falls in between the Acacia wood and teak wood more affordable than the latter but pricier than the former.
Shorea Wood
As one of the world’s tallest trees, the Shorea genus encompasses over 196 unique species, thus offering an incredible range of diversity and versatility for those seeking the perfect selection of this wood. In many ways than one, it serves as a fitting alternative to the eucalyptus wood when constructing outdoor furniture of any type. This is due to the Shorea wood’s inherent properties, such as essential oils and minerals that safeguard it from various outdoor elements. In addition to its innate golden hue, which is captivating to look at, Shorea wood can be altered to resemble a silvery-grey teak finish for an even more complementary aesthetic.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Shorea wood is its intrinsic ability to gradually transform into a teak-like silver tone when exposed to the elements without any treatment. Shorea’s grain pattern is genuinely pleasing and visually satisfying to look at and adds a great choice for any place whether it’s your home or office. However, Shorea wood furniture can be significantly heavier than its teak counterpart. This might pose challenges for those who frequently rearrange their outdoor seating areas. On a positive note, choosing Shorea Wood Furniture can lead to considerable cost savings.
Iroko Wood
Located along Africa’s western coastline, Iroko wood serves as an excellent alternative to teak wood. Known for its high durability, Iroko wood is commonly utilized for constructing outdoor cabinets, panels, furniture, wooden floors, and fences. Despite being economically priced, Iroko wood does not sacrifice durability, sturdiness, or resistance to damaging factors. Boasting a golden-brown hue, Iroko wood can be treated to take on a teak-like silvery appearance.
Iroko wood’s impressive durability means minimal effort is required for ensuring proper care, cleaning, and maintenance of outdoor furnishings made from this material. Additionally, furniture crafted from Iroko wood is not overly heavy and can be classified as medium-weight furniture.
Teak wood available at Harsha Timbers
Harsha Timbers, a prominent wholesaler, and retailer based in Bangalore, specializes in Indian and imported timber thus providing you the right choice. We mainly procure a wide range of timber varieties from government depots through the auction process in India. Some of the varieties available with Harsha Timbers are:
Acacia Wood
Starting at 1500.00 per Cubic Foot, Acacia is known for its hardness, strength, and high density. However, in India, it has been hybridized with Eucalyptus to create a softer variation. This combination results in a moderately hard wood that maintains durability while being more manageable to work with.
Dandeli Teak (Saagwan/Indian Teak wood)
Starting at 8500 per Cubic Foot, this lumber is harvested in the northern region of Karnataka, situated within the Western Ghats, known for its fertile ground abundant in minerals such as silicates, manganese, mica, iron, and other essential tertiary elements.
Indian Laurel Wood (Mathi wood)
Starting at 2400 per Cubic Foot, this exceptionally hard, robust, and high-density wood is part of the Laurel family, originating in India. Although it can be found throughout India and Burma, its density may vary depending on the growth region.
Rosewood (Sheeshum wood)
Starting at 10000 INR per cubic foot, Rosewood is found in abundance in the northern region of Karnataka, particularly in the Western Ghats. They are recognized as one of the most durable timbers as they have a dense heartwood, second only to Ebony.
Yellow Teak
Starting at a price of around 2300 per cubic foot, Yellow Teak belongs to the exotic teak family and has a light-yellow color. For more information on the characteristics of this wood, please visit the Dandeli Teak page.
CFT Calculator
Harsha Timber’s web-based tools deliver prompt solutions for your computational and conversion requirements. On this webpage, you can determine the volume of timber/lumber in cubic feet (Cft). It provides the right assistance whenever you need to decide on the volume of timber needed to complete your project successfully. Additionally, this tool can be utilized to calculate the capacity of a rectangular container (cuboid) in cu ft. So, clients get the right guidance as and when needed to make the right decision.
References:
https://www.bricknbolt.com/blogs-and-articles/teak-wood-types-and–costs
https://www.castlery.com/us/blog/how-to-identify-teak-wood
https://jagdevgroup.in/product/Teak-Wood-Logs/Ghana-Teak-Wood.html
https://www.farawayfurniture.com/a-b-and-c-teak-grades-explained.html