As teak wood patio furniture has risen in popularity in recent years, as well as increased government regulation of its exports in Indonesia (one of the leading countries in exporting teak), the wood has faced an increase. simple supply / demand problem. of basic economics. When there is a reduced supply, the price goes up. This decline in supply has started to manufacture teak wood from other sources. It can be a synthetic teak, which is generally grown in Africa or South America, or even a faux wood look that is not sold as genuine wood. Fortunately, this last circumstance is less common.

Determine if it is genuine

Teak is a dense hardwood and does not splinter. The sawdust from this wood is soft and has a pleasant aroma. Many say that its smell reminds them of a sweet oil, something like a vegetable oil. While some may wonder about the source of the wood’s odor, it is important to remember that it is an oil-rich wood and this is the source of the wood’s odor. Teak that has been painted or stained will not have the rich aroma that the natural version will have. Painting or staining it can cause a change in the wood, so it is best to try to keep it completely natural. Throughout the life of the wood, teak oil moves from the center of the wood (called the heartwood) and after harvest and as the wood ages, the oils migrate from the heartwood to the outer layers of the wood. wood. This process allows the teak to resist well to the elements, resist rot, insects and fungi.

Teak is also waterproof (which is one of the main reasons it is widely used on boats, yachts, and boats) and when water comes in contact with wood, it forms pearls. This beading is an eye-opening way to test suspicious teak. Water on genuine teak beads and remains in a tight drop shape, while water on other woods will have loose edges.

What is synthetic teak?

In an effort to provide the qualities of teak and make teak furniture for outdoors, terraces, etc. more affordable, some manufacturers have started to create a wood that is a composite of various types of wood. These pieces of furniture may be attractive, but they are generally not genuine. Lately, the price of synthetic teak is approaching the levels of teak due to the intense manufacturing process required to try and get closer to the quality that mother nature has already delivered.

South American or African teak

Teak grows in the rainforests of Southeast Asia and requires forty to sixty years to produce good quality wood. Over the past decades, growers in the rainforests of South America and Africa have attempted to plant teak plantations in similar climates. The genetic makeup of this tree is not exactly the same as that of Tectona grandis (the good stuff). Wood harvested in Africa or South America can be attractive and durable, but it is not the same as high-quality wood grown in Southeast Asia, so be sure to ask about the origin of the wood before purchasing.