History of Teak
Teak is a hard wood that is found in tropical regions, mostly
in Southeast Asia, and it tends to grow quite tall, sometimes reaching
upwards of 200 feet. Because of its hardness and the fact
that it is fairly weather resistant, it has been heavily used for teak
patio furniture of late and has actually become quite a popular choice
among those who wish to have wood furniture on their patios or in their
garden. However, this was not the first use for
teak. It’s been regarded as a grand substance for
the creation of many different tools and items since its discovery.
The wood has long been used for outdoor purposes due to its ability to
resist weather elements without treatment and sealing. This
ability comes from the natural oils that it produces, which make it
durable even when not treated with oil or varnish. Before
teak furniture became all the rage, the wood was used for other outdoor
purposes, such as building floating docks that rested in water all day
long and saw all manner of errant weather. It can last
decades if cared for from time to time. It was also a great
asset to have as the material for a boat deck, since a ship saw any
number of odd storms and difficult weather, as well as general wear and
tear from seafaring.
As demand for wood furnishings of all kinds began to come in, the
manufacture of teak outdoor furniture became more
commonplace. Of course, while there are three species of the
tree, only one is not endangered, referred to as the “Common
Teak” (Tectona grandis). This is the most widely
distributed teak and what most teak garden furniture is made from.
The oils produced by the wood also make it quite malleable, which is
why it has been so easy to shape and mold into workable
furniture. Because it is imported, the price of the wood is
higher than that of furniture made of domestic wood. However,
the coloration and style differ greatly in most cases from what is
available on domestic soil, and the wood is more solid and sturdier
than some of the wood products in the United States.
Therefore, a great number of people are willing to pay the higher price
to buy teak wood patio furniture.
Now, teak has become popular for other uses because of its combined
durability and malleability. In fact, far beyond the common
usage for garden teak furniture, it has been used for indoor flooring
and for veneer for indoor finishings. In the future, you can
expect to see more and more of this particular wood coming across the
border and entering store shelves for both indoor and outdoor use, from
furniture to flooring and beyond.