What is teak wood? Complete explanation!

GBGian Boender·11 September 2024

Teak wood is one of the most popular and sustainable wood types you can find, especially when it comes to garden furniture. But what makes teak wood so special? In this blog post, we will take you through the world of teak wood. We discuss where it comes from, why it lasts so long and what the best ways are to maintain it. Whether you already have teak wood furniture or are considering acquiring it, after reading this blog you will know exactly why teak wood is a smart choice for your garden!

What is teak wood and where does it come from?

Teak wood is a tropical wood type known for its strength and weather resistance. It comes mainly from Southeast Asia, with countries such as Indonesia and Myanmar being important suppliers. Due to the natural oils in the wood, teak is perfect for outdoor use and lasts for years, even in rain and sun.

Curious about which wood types are popular? Then read this article.

What is the difference between A, B & C quality teak?

Teak wood falls into the hardwood category and is therefore often on the pricier side. The quality and price are divided into different levels.

Top quality (A-class): This is the finest quality teak wood, sourced from the inner heartwood of older trees, at least 40 years old. The wood has an even colour, fine structure, barely any knots and a beautiful golden-brown sheen. From a tree trunk, only a small part, approximately 20-40%, is used for this high-grade wood, which explains the price.

Mid-range quality (B-class): This wood comes from the outer part of the heartwood, close to the sapwood. It has a lighter colour, varying structure and more knots than A-class. Although it contains less oil and has a shorter lifespan, this can be extended with proper maintenance. Approximately 30-50% of the trunk is used for B-class wood.

Lower quality (C-class): This wood comes from the outer part of the tree, the sapwood, or from younger trees. It is lighter in colour and less consistent in structure and strength. This wood is not suitable for outdoor furniture due to limited weather resistance and short lifespan. It is often used for smaller items or processed to look better than it actually is.

Benefits of teak wood

10 benefits of teak wood:

Durability – Teak wood is one of the strongest wood types and can last for years, even under severe weather conditions.
Weather resistant – Thanks to the natural oils in the wood, teak is resistant to rain, sun and temperature fluctuations.
Low maintenance – Teak requires little maintenance; a simple cleaning is often enough to keep it in good condition.
Beautiful appearance – The wood has a warm golden-brown colour and develops a beautiful silver-grey patina over time.
Mould and rot resistant – The oils in teak make it resistant to mould, rot and insects, ideal for outdoor use.
Natural oils – These oils not only provide weather resistance, but also give the wood a beautiful sheen.
Environmentally friendly – Teak that is sustainably harvested, for example from plantations, is an environmentally friendly choice.
Long lifespan – Teak wood can last for decades without losing its strength or beauty.
Versatility – It can be used for various applications, from garden furniture to ship decks, and is suitable for both indoors and outdoors.
Value retention – Due to its high quality, teak retains its value, making it a good investment for long-term use.

Different teak colours

Teak wood is naturally known for its warm colour palette of honey, gold, wheat and amber, sometimes with a subtle red hue. You can see this especially well in outdoor furniture that has not been treated with a grey-wash.

When teak is placed outdoors, it slowly starts to grey due to sunlight and rain. This happens with all types of hardwood and has no negative effect on the quality of the wood. In fact, many people love that greyed look because it gives their garden furniture a rustic appearance.

For this reason, some choose to treat new teak immediately with an instant-grey finish so it gets that weathered look right away. There is also much demand for 'vintage teak' or recycled teak wood, which naturally already has that beautiful, worn grey tint.

On the other hand, there are also enthusiasts who prefer to keep the original, warm colour of their teak. With the right care, this is certainly possible, and below you can read how to do this. So, what do you find more beautiful: the natural, golden-brown colour of teak, or the greyed, weathered look?

Teak wood maintenance

Do you want to know how to keep your teak wood garden furniture in top condition? With the right care, they will remain beautiful for years to come! Check out our blog for handy tips and maintenance advice: How do you maintain teak wood?

Looking for teak wood garden furniture? Click here for our range!

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