The Tectona Grandis more commonly known as “teak wood”, is a rare wood reserved for the manufacture of luxury furniture and in naval carpentry for structural use as well as boat decks. It is distinguishable by its brown and yellow color which  depends on its origin and growing conditions. The diameter of its log can reach up to 100 cm which could partially explain its rarity. Other wood such as Oak can reach up to 3m in diameter and 70 meters in height.

With time when placed outdoors, teak acquires a certain gray patina thanks to a particular fungi that also protects it. When placed indoors, teak would take golden reflections if taken care of correctly with natural waxes. Its veins can sometimes blacken naturally as well.

Teak reaches maturity after 80 years and takes it time to dry which is yet another factor that would explain its rarity.

Having been used for ages, the teak forests are now reduced significantly, leading to the production of plantation teak that has a difference in quality compared to wild teak. Plantation teak usually comes from Indonesia having been brought back to the country by Bouddhists in early 16th century. Wild teak on the other hand grows almost exclusively in Burma.

Teak furniture, dating back to more than 2 milleniums have been discovered in India thus  demonstrating the ageless quality that this wood possesses.

Due to its low shrinkage ratio, teak is widespread for marine use: the HMS Trincomalee, a three-mast ship launched in 1816 belonging to the British Royal Navy is the oldest teak sailing ship still in use!

Nowadays teak is mainly used to produce high-end furniture. As it is a relatively oily wood, its resistance to insect attack is significantly enhanced and well dried teak adapts very well to all kinds of climates. At LigneDoran, Teak continues to seduce and amaze our clients and it remains as one of the many wood we work with passionately.