What is Teak?

Teak is a tall deciduous tree, native to India and Malaysia, but now grown in several tropical areas. The teak tree belongs in the ecological niche of canopy trees. Canopy trees are trees in the biomass of the rainforest that form a solid layer of leaves when seen from above. The canopy trees, including teak, have several characteristics that help them to survive in the competitive world of the rainforest and hold their positions for hundreds of years. They have relatively dense wood that is resistant to the wild nature of tropical weather.

The wood is also deeply impregnated with chemicals that give it its dark color and help to repel insects and fungi that would otherwise destroy it. Canopy trees that grow in warm climates, like teak, contain a large number of these protective chemicals. The increased risk of pathogens and other dangerous fungi require warm weather trees to produce a large number of protective chemicals in order to survive. Because such chemicals are so abundant in teak wood, they continue to protect the wood, even after the tree is dead. Consequently, structures built from teak are resistant to rot and insects. The wood of teak trees also contains oil that resists the eroding nature of water. Teak wood, when combined with metal, even protects that metal from rust. The heartwood of the teak tree is resistant to termites, as well. Teak wood is moderately hard, yet flexible enough for easy craftsmanship, and it is extremely durable. Because of teak’s hardy nature and dark beauty, it is ideal for patio furniture, as well.