Teak

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Description

A dense tropical hardwood obtained from the Tectona grandis tree native to the southeast Asia has structural properties better than oak. Teak is a tall (up to 40 m) deciduous trees with diaeters up to 3m that have small fragrant, white flowers. Of distinction, are the huge papery leaves of the teak trees (up to 45 x 23 cm) with a hairy lower surface. Teak wood has a straight grain and coarse texture that is very resistant to insects and decay. It is used for high quality furniture, veneer, boxes, chests, doors, and shipbuilding. Teak wood also has an aromatic smell when cut that it can retain for over a hundred years. With age, the yellosish heartwood darkens with age.

Synonyms and Related Terms

common teak (Tectona grandis); Dahat teak (Tectona hamiltoniana); Philippine Teak (Tectona philippinensis); Burmese teak; Nagpur teak; tekka; teck (Fr., It.); Tiekholz (Deut;); teakboom (Ned.); teca (Esp., Port.); teak(Sven.); jati

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Working Properties

Teak is weather-resistant. High levels of silica in the wood may cause irregularities in finishing.

Chemical and Physical Properties

Teak has a high oil content that is extremely resistant to decay.

Density 35-55 ppcf

Hazards and Safety

Skin contact, especially with sap, may cause irritation

Additional Images


Sources Checked for Data in Record

  • G.S.Brady, Materials Handbook, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1971 Comment: p. 803
  • F. H. Titmuss, Commercial Timbers of the World, The Technical Press Ltd., London, 1965 Comment: 35-50 ppcf
  • Michael McCann, Artist Beware, Watson-Guptill Publications, New York City, 1979
  • Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: "teak (genus Tectona grandis)" Encyclopædia Britannica Premium Service. [Accessed 28 Sept. 2005].
  • CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, Robert Weast (ed.), CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida, v. 61, 1980 Comment: density=41-55 ppcf (0.66-0.88 g/cm3)

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