TEAK: FEATURES

Teak or teak wood, with the scientific name  tectona grandis , is one of the most highly valued, both by professionals and consumers. It is due to many of its characteristics: beautiful appearance, easy workability, great durability, etc.

This wood is native to Asia, more specifically from countries such as India, Laos or Thailand. Nowadays, and due to the great demand, it is possible to find farms in Africa and Central and South America.

The  price of teak wood  is usually high. Although the farms are more and more numerous, the demand has grown in greater proportion, raising its price.

It is common to find other species to which the name of teak is added, even though they have nothing to do with it. For example, cumaru wood is also known as Brazilian teak. It seems to be more of a marketing issue.

Teak Wood Characteristics

Color : The sapwood is light yellow and the heartwood has brown and gold tones. It is a wood that ages really well, since its coloring improves.

Fiber : Generally straight. Sometimes wavy.

Grain : Coarse.

Density : It has an approximate density of 690 Kg / m3. Semi-heavy wood.

Hardness : 4.2 according to the Monnin test. It is a semi-hard wood.

High durability . Very good resistance to humidity and attack by fungi and insects. It is even possible to leave it outdoors without treatment thanks to its natural oils. It is difficult to find woods that offer similar durability being so light, they are usually much denser. In this sense, there are important differences between cultivated teak and that which grows naturally, the latter being the one with the best durability.

Dimensional Stability : It is a dimensionally stable wood.

• Dimensional stability coefficient: 0.34%. Teak wood is little edgy.

Mechanical Properties :

• Compressive strength: 570 kg / cm ²
• Static bending strength: 1,000 kg / cm ²
• Modulus of elasticity: 140,000 kg / cm ²

Impregnation : Sapwood slightly impregnable, heartwood not impregnable.

Workability :

• Sawn: No problems. It can accelerate tool wear due to its high silica content.
• Drying: Slow, practically without risk of deformation or cracks.
• Brushing: No problems. After being cut or brushed it has the smell of leather.
• Gluing: Some problems may be encountered due to its resins or natural oils. In these cases it will be necessary to clean the surface.
• Nailing and screwing: Pre-drilling should be no problem.
• Finish: None beyond the presence of resins or oils typical of wood.

Teak wood is oily to the touch. It is due to its natural oil, which has interesting characteristics.