What Type of Wood Is Teak?

Teak Trees

• Teak trees, belonging to the family Verbenaceae, can grow 130 to 150 feet high and can live for a century.

Characteristics

• Teak wood contains a high level of natural oil and rubber, making it flexible and durable but also easy to carve.

Benefits

• Teak wood gleams naturally, resists rotting and isn't worn down by weather. Teak wood objects can be used for centuries.

Time Frame

• Older teak trees produce higher-quality wood. Teak trees should be at least 40 years old before they are harvested. Teak trees also require a draining process that takes one to two years.

Function

• Teak wood has many uses, including for construction of indoor and outdoor furniture, ships, flooring, and door and window frames.

Considerations

• The high demand for teak wood has led to illegal teak poaching. If you are interested in a teak product, ensure that it has been legally harvested.