Teak wood facts

Teak is a tree species native to Burma, Cambodia, India, Laos, and Thailand but is being nurtured and grown in 40 other tropical countries.  Teak has the largest leaves of any known tree.  One individual leaf can measure up to 20" in length and 14" in width.  The rough texture of the leaf has been utilized by villagers as an abrasive, much like woodworkers use sandpaper.

Common uses for teak are to make boat decks and trim, cabinets, carvings, decorative plywood, furniture, flooring, millwork (doors), and turnings.

Teak, one of the world's most valuable woods, varies in color from rich chocolate to golden brown but darkens after exposure to sunlight.  It's not uncommon to find teak wood with nearly black streaks.  Over time, it tends to turn gray from sunlight.

While teak usually forms course straight lines in its grain, sometimes a mottle figure (much like a tortoise shell) is highly prized in cabinetry.  The most notable benefit of teak is its resistance to insects, rot, and wear.  Low shrinkage ration makes it an ideal application where it undergoes periodic changes in moisture.