The Species:

Flooring Trade Name: True Teak

Botanical Name: Tectona, grandis

Lumber Name: True Teak

Grows In: Burma and Thailand naturally and then in plantations throughout the tropical world.

Products / Teak, True

Description:

True Teak has been prized for centuries as one of the worlds most durable and stable woods for outdoor use. Traditionally used on boats and in outdoor furniture, Teak has also been widely used for flooring.

Color Range & Color Change:

Color Range: True Teak exhibits a wide range of colors when fresh cut, from pale yellows to orange browns with darker striping, all of which mellows into medium brown tones.

Color Change: True Teak undergoes an extreme degree of color change with pronounced color change from the highly variegated coloring found in material fresh sanded which then darkens to a golden brown with substantial muting of the initial color range over time.

Hardness:

True Teak is only 90% as hard as red oak (1155 on the Janka scale vs. 1260 for red oak).

Where to Use:

True Teak may be used residentially wherever the distinguished look of one of the world's most prized woods is desired.

Stability:

True Teak is one of the world's most stable woods.

Allergic Reaction Potential:

True Teak is known to cause both contact dermatitis and respiratory reactions when coming into contact with the dust. Care must be taken when cutting or sanding this wood. Also, wood dust in general can be a hazard.

Known Finish Issues:

True Teak is known to have adverse reactions when many oil based finishes are used with this wood. Many oil finishes will not dry properly when used on True Teak. In general, most water based finishes work with True Teak. ALWAYS test the finish you propose to use FIRST on test pieces to insure compatibility.