What Is Teak?



What Is Teak?

Teak is actually defined as the common name for a tall deciduous tree in the Verbena family. Instead of using the Latin term of Tectona grandis, we instead refer to this gorgeous wood as teak. This tree can grow to a height of 150 feet with a straight trunk, which has a diameter of 6 to 8 feet. Leaves of the teak tree can reach a length and width of 1 foot.

Teak is also known for the small white flowers that adorn the tree. The tree bark is gray in color, and the trunk has white sapwood. The heartwood of the tree is a yellow brownish color. These trees reach maturity at about 70 to 80 years after they have been planted. A common misconception about this grand wood is that it can be found in tropical rain forests. Instead, teak grows in the dry, hilly terrains of the forests in Southeast Asia. Teak is a hardwood that is easily worked and extremely durable. It also contains an essential oil that repels water, thus making it ideal as a choice for outdoor furniture.

A Brief History of Teak Teak Care