Teak wood (Tectona Grandis) is commonly considered by ship builders and outdoor furniture manufacturer's to be the planet's most versatile, durable, and valuable hard wood.   Teak forests are highly regulated due to the increased demand, ecological and economical impact, and often sub-standard working conditions on plantations.  It is not a rain forest species; growing in deciduous forests at a yield of only 3-5 trees per acre.  Thus,  it is a precious resource across the globe.  However,  there are only four countries in the world that contain natural teak forests; Burma, Laos, India, and Thailand, with Burma (Myanmar) accounting for approximately 80% of the world's exported natural teak supply.  There are now some companies transplanting seeds from Burma into South America and Africa, hoping to capitalize on the huge return potential that the teak industry offers. 

 

Teak is a dense, coarse, close-grained hardwood.  It contains high levels of resinous oils that allow it to be naturally resistant to moisture, repellent to insects, and impervious to the drying effects of weather.  Teak also contains silica, a sand-like component which creates a density to the wood that allows it to also be resistant to fungal decay, water, rotting, warping, shrinking, swelling and many damaging chemicals.  It will not rust or corrode metals it comes in contact with and it can withstand the elements of all seasons, with its beauty increasing with its age.  No other wood compares to teak regarding its durability, elegance, stability and low maintenance; making it the ultimate material choice for furniture construction and ship building worldwide.