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The tree
In its natural habitat, teak is often a
large tree, with a clean, cylindrical bole above a fluted or often buttressed
base. It can vary considerably in height, girth and form, according to locality,
particularly in regard to soil conditions. On clay soils it does not do well,
and in the drier and hotter regions. the trees often have much shorter and more
fluted stems, with more twisting and branching. On favourable sites, it can
reach a height of 35m to 45m and a diameter of 1.5m
The timber
The sapwood is yellowish or whitish in colour, and sharply defined from the
heartwood, which is golden-brown, sometimes figured with darker markings, due to
dark-coloured zones of initial parenchyma. Growth rings are distinct, but they
vary considerably from a band of two or three layers of large pores to a few
scattered large pores not forming a definite band. The dark-coloured parenchyma
initiating the seasons growth likewise varies in its width and presence. Teak
from some localities may display not only annually occurring growth rings, but
also occasional false rings, with very little initial dark parenchyma, with the
result that much teak, especially from Burma, is relatively uniform in colour
but with only very narrow lines of darker colour marking the annual growth
appearing on side grain. The wood has an oily feel, and a strong odour
reminiscent of old leather when freshly cut, but after drying much of the odour
is lost, but the wood retains its oily feel.
Teak darkens in colour on
exposure; it has a fairly straight grain, sometimes irregular, and a coarse,
uneven texture. The average weight of Burma teak is about 640 kg/m3 when dried.
Drying
Teak from ring-girdled trees air dries easily but slowly, but timber from
ungirdled. green trees requires a lot of initial care in order to avoid rapid
drying which is liable to cause checking. end splitting and warping to develop.
Teak presents no serious problems in kiln drying from the air dry condition,
except in the assessment of initial and final moisture contents. While drying
defects are usually minimal, there is usually considerable variation in the
drying rate of individual pieces, and moisture content differences can be great.
There is often a loss of colour
in some pieces in kiln drying, but the colour is quickly regained when the wood
is exposed to light.
Strength
The general strength properties of teak are about the same as those of
mengkulang (Heritiera spp.). It compares favourably with English oak (Quercus
spp.) in most strength categories, but is rather weaker in shear strength
and toughness. |
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Working qualities
Although variable, the wood can be worked with moderate ease with both hand
and machine tools. There is a moderate to severe dulling of cutting edges, but
if these are kept sharpened, the wood finishes well. It takes nails and screws
fairly well, and glues satisfactorily on freshly machined or sanded surfaces. It
can be varnished or polished satisfactorily.
Uses
Shipbuilding, decking, planking, deck-houses, bulwarks, furniture.
cabinet-making, interior fittings and panelling, out-door building and
furniture, laboratory benches and equipment, acid vats, weather doors, plywood
and decorative veneer
The policy on sustainable teak is
in line with many conservation organizations and Chain of Custody Groups.
The Teak
used is only that which is certified as coming from well-managed and controlled
plantations with planned programmes of replanting.
The supply of teak is through agents who are all registered with the necessary conservation bodies and
are also supporting the Burmese Governments anti-smuggling laws. In the
sustainable plantations the Teak is sourced from, elephants are used in the extraction of
teak to limit the damage to the environment.
Absolutely no Teak is sourced from
Nigeria, Ghana, Trinidad, Columbia or India as these countries do not have recognized
regeneration policies for teak. Although Indonesia has one of the best policies
for sustainable plantations, they have yet to gain validation and recognition
from the relevant conservation bodies, so at present this source is unused too.
All our products are manufactured
in the UK, in the West Country. The workforce is highly trained and an
apprenticeship scheme is in operation to ensure continuing high standards.
All the relevant environmental
laws are observed and all by-products and waste are recycled.
We use teak because it
is universally regarded as the best amongst hardwoods for outdoor furniture due
to its durability, stability and resistance to wear.
Teak hardwood garden
furniture requires very little maintenance and no annual “coating” is
necessary for protection purposes.
Sawn teak is resistant to
rot when exposed to the elements, and also to the majority of all known insect
species attack. It will last for many years in an unprotected state, and over a
period of time, the furniture will take on an attractive silver appearance. Some
cracking and splitting is to be expected.
Teak furniture requires
no paint or preservatives. Left to age naturally, it weathers to an attractive
silver grey colour and a light bleach scrub once or twice a year is all the
upkeep required. If you prefer to preserve the teak's rich golden colour, this
can be achieved by applying Britannic teak oil once or twice a year.
Genuine Teak comes mainly
from Myanmar (formerly Burma) |
