Today, reputable manufacturers acquire their teak from state-owned Indonesian plantations run by the Perum Perhutani, a government agency. Others say it was Hindu monks from India in the 14 th Century that introduced teak to Indonesia.Įither way, the Dutch in the mid-19 th Century were the first to develop teak plantations in Indonesia.īecause teak is rot-resistant and water-repellant due to its high oil and silica content, the Dutch grew teak to build their ships that plied the Dutch East Indies spice routes. In the 16 th Century Buddhist monks brought teak saplings to Indonesia from Burma. Indonesia stands at the forefront of sustainably-managed teak forestry. Teak is now grown in plantations throughout South and Southeast Asia, Africa and even Latin America. However, because of reckless and excessive logging, natural teak forests have for the most part disappeared from all of these countries.įortunately, for those of us who love and prize teak… No nails were used in its construction, just teak timber expertly fitted and joined together. The Vimanmek Palace in Thailand was built entirely of teak. Teak is a member of the tropical hardwood birches, included in the family Verbenaceae-indigenous to just four countries in the world:īurma (now Myanmar), Laos, Thailand and India.įor centuries, the ancient kings of Burma and Thailand considered teak to be a Royal Tree, and was under strict royal protection. Ranging from honey gold to chocolate brown…Īnd the way its tight, dense grains run long and straight through the wood.įew, though, know the true story of teak.Īnd fully appreciate the teak you own, or are about to own, here is… The True Story of Teak Tectona grandis Others love the storied history behind teak-how and where it was first cultivated.Īnd how it’s been used during centuries past, and still is used today.Īrtisans and crafters love teak for its warm colors. When properly maintained, teak can be passed down from one generation to the next, and never be out of favor. Others prize teak because of its legendary hardness, strength, resistance to rot, and its ability to repel water, insects and microorganisms like mold and mildew… Some love that it’s an exotic and expensive wood-and that’s all they need to know. What diamonds are to precious jewels, and gold to precious metals… teak is to precious woods The 3 types of teak every buyer should know about (and the one to avoid)
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