What is teak?
Teak (Tectona), is a tropical hardwood tree native to the south and southeast of Asia, and is commonly found in the monsoon forest. They are large trees, growing to 30-40 m (150 feet) tall, and shed their leaves in the dry season. They have reddish-green leaves with rough skin, and heartwood that is brown to dark gold in color. They can live for 100 years old. Teak has the ability to bend, but not break, in the face of high winds. It is a highly coveted material in carpentry and maintains its strength while still being malleable for wood works. With time, teak grows darker in colour, slowly developing into a beautiful golden-brown. Aficionados agree that teak pieces grow in value over time.
What are the natural oils present in teak?
The teak tree has natural oil that is highly water resistant. Hence, it is suitable for use in exposed locations. It is durable even when not treated with oil or varnish. This oil content can protect the teak from decay, insects, and bacteria. Therefore, it is very resistant to termite attacks. The timber is used in the manufacture of outdoor furniture, boat decks, and other articles where weather resistance is desired. It is also used for indoor flooring and as a veneer for indoor furnishings.
Where does the teak come from?
Of the main teak producers in the area, Indonesia, India, Myanmar, Philippine, and Malaysia, Indonesia's teak is considered of the highest quality in the world. The teak in Scanteak furniture comes from teak plantations in Indonesia. Closely monitored by the Indonesian government's national timber legality assurance audit system (SVLK), our teak plantations are ethically sourced and sustainable.