Know Everything About The Older the Tree, the Harder the Wood
It may come as
a surprise to learn how many different types of wood are used in
furniture making, each one with their own specific properties,
weight, density and grain.
The hardwood
Teak comes from the Teak (Tectona) tree, which grows in southern
Asia. The teak is a 30 to 40 ft deciduous tree (its leaves fall off
during the winter months). Hardwoods are those which have a high
number of pores and a high density. In general hardwoods resist decay
better than their softwood counterparts which makes them very
suitable for outdoor and patio furniture. Much like cedar
and cypress wood, teak has its own natural resins that protect
it from damage from extreme weather conditions, especially damp rot.
A common problem faced by woods is termite damage and teak is
particularly resistant against these pests.
There are
three different types of teak tree: the Tectona grandis (the common
teak), the Tectona philippinensis (Phillippine teak) and the Tectona
hamiltoniana (Dahat teak). The Dahat and Phillippine teak are now
endangered and therefore the vast majority of teak
furniture is crafted from the common teak tree.
Teak has been
popular in furniture making for hundreds of years due to its
attractive look and all round durability and was in great demand in
the 1950’s and 60’s when the rise of the Danish
Modern style arose. The wood is typically a rich golden brown,
but can vary from very pale to dark terracotta red. However, like any
other type of wood it can be stained, treated or painted to change
its colour yet still look natural. Although not needed with teak,
treated wood has the additional advantage of further protection
against weather conditions. Its grain is straight, and the wood oily
yet grainy.
Although teak
wood does have remarkable qualities that protect it against harsh
weather, it is not limited to being used as outdoor
furniture. It is commonly used as a veneer and is a fixture
inside the home as flooring and general teak furniture like closets,
tables and chairs.
The older the
teak tree, the harder and denser the wood, which means it doesn’t
split as easily as young trees. Although more expensive, older trees
are more desirable in furniture making. Joining teak wood is
relatively difficult due to its density, so these details are
important to take into consideration when complicated furniture
pieces such as chairs and plant boxes are made. Despite this,
manufacturers of teak are experts in the profession and ensure the
highest quality safety for the furniture
that they make.
Teak can be
used to make almost any type of patio furniture including chairs,
tables,
planters, pergolas, loungers,
storage boxes, benches
and rocking chairs. Its tropical look makes it great for use in the
summer and look especially attractive placed near or directly on grass.
As an
extremely durable hardwood, teak makes an attractive and sensible
choice for the furniture
that is placed in a back garden, patio or deck and after spanning
many centuries, still remains a popular choice. |
