|
|
About
Teak Wood And Teak Furniture
If you are interested in buying teak garden furniture, some
relevant information will help you to better make an informed
choice.
The pages in this section of our
web site offer you some information about teak wood and its
history, help with choosing your teak furniture, and about the
care of teak furniture.
Teak / Jati / Tectona Grandis
Tectona
grandis is the Latin name for Teak, and Jati
is the Indonesian name for Teak where the lumber come
from. Teak is a hardwood of the family Verbenaceae
Characteristics of the teak tree and its location
Tectona Grandis is said to be indigenous to India, Burma,
Thailand, Indochina and Java. It has been extensively planted
for timber or as an ornamental within its natural range and
throughout the tropical regions of the world, including East and
West Africa, as well as Cuba and the Caribbean, and South
America from Panama to Brazil.
Tectona grandis, is not a timber from tropical rain forests, and
indeed, teak cannot grow in rain forests - it is a deciduous
tree which grows particularly well in the dry, hilly terrain
typical of plantation forests in Southeast Asia.
Specifically in Java Indonesia, Perum Perhutani is the
government agency which is responsible for managing Indonesia's
extensive forests and plantations. Java has very large Teak
plantations which were first planted by the Dutch in the early
1800's. These plantations are now well managed by Perum
Perhutani.
Perum Perhutani operate a strict policy regulating the number
and size of trees which can be felled, as well as with regard to
the numbers of trees which are replanted to maintain the
productivity of the teak forests for future generations. The
teak plantations produce a high value crop that is a very
valuable source of income in their local area. And the
associated furniture and timber products industry provides
regular local employment to many thousands of people.
When plantation grown the tree will attain a height of up to 45m
[150ft] with a dia. 1 - 1.5m [3 - 5ft]. It will be ready for
harvesting at around 50 - 60 years. If well maintained the tree
can produce a clear stem of up to 30m in length giving a high
timber yield. It produces a very large leaf similar to a tobacco
leaf which is around 12" long and wide.
Characteristics of teak wood
Teak is an extremely dense [40lbs cu ft when dry] coarse grained
hardwood.
Teak wood is generally straight grained, but occasionally wavy.
It has a coarse and uneven texture. The wood contains a high
level of silica which causes rapid blunting of cutting edges.
When fresh cut the surface of the wood is dull in appearance,
and the timber has a distinctive, pleasantly aromatic odor which
has been likened to the smell of leather. Fresh sawn teak has a
slightly 'oily' feel due to the high oil content.
One of the most commonly quoted facts about the characteristics
of teak is its durability. It is resistant to rot caused by
fungal decay, and the high level of resinous oil present in the
timber helps to act as a natural insect repellent giving the
timber very high resistance to attack by termites and other wood
boring insects.
The timber is said to be resistant to water and many chemical
reagents, including acids. It does not have a strong reaction
when it comes in contact with metals.
All these statements regarding the durability of teak are born
out by the fact that we can see many instances of the timber
which have withstood the test of time when used as key
components in the boat building industry, or more sedately when
used for making municipal furniture for our parks.
All our Teak Furniture is manufactured from genuine Teak.
Real Teak,
first quality Tectona Grandis
Real Teak, first quality Tectona Grandis. No other wood
compares to teak when it comes to durability, elegance,
stability and low maintenance. It will arrive a honey blonde
color and after one or two seasons outdoors it will turn soft,
silver gray. And it stays like that, forever, without ever
warping, twisting, rotting or splintering. Knot free,
beautifully grained, smooth to the touch, pleasing to the eye
and quality crafted from the inside out, your furniture will
never need replacing.
Teak is a deciduous tree,
which grows in dry, hilly terrains of forests in Southeast Asia.
It cannot grow in rain forest. Actually, the best hardwood teak
comes from Indonesia. Most of the teak furniture, which is sold
around the world, not comes from natural forest – tree farms.
But still, from planting, growing until be a good teak hardwood
will takes at least 50 years.
Recently there have been
other companies offering similar furniture made of various
obscure woods, claiming these woods to be “teak-like”,
“as good as teak”, “family of teak” – one even
says “better than teak”. Folks, it just isn’t “better
than teak”. For centuries teak has been famous as the
finest wood there is for demanding outdoor use – on yachts and
the decades old benches in the garden and parks around the
world.
Real Teak. First
quality Tectona Grandis. This is the best for outdoor furniture
and will also be the best for your garden, too.
More About Teak ...................
Trade or Common Name: Teak
Local Name: Jati
Botanical Name: Tectona Grandis
Family: Verbenaceae
The Tree: Teak is
not a very fast growing, and on favorable sites may reach 130 to
150 feet in height with clear boles to 80 to 90 feet. The trunks
are cylindrical to fluted and may reach 3 to 5 feet in diameter.
The Wood: Teak is a
beautiful golden to dark brown, sometimes reddish brown, with a
straight grain, sometimes wavy. Teak is rich natural oils, is
easily worked, and dresses to a very smooth finish. Because of
its natural oils, teak is very durable and resistant to moisture
and the drying effects of exposure to weather. Teak is unique in
that it does not cause rust or corrosion when in contact with
metal.
Uses: Teak is a
very valuable wood and is prized throughout the world. It is
sought for the decks, trim and detail work in expensive boats,
and fine furniture, flooring, carving, joinery, cabinetwork,
paneling, turnery and veneer.
The nature characteristic
of teak is its durability in all weather conditions. Teak has an
extremely dense grained hardwood that resists rot, warping,
shrinking and swelling. Its high natural oil content continually
preserves the wood so it can be left outdoors for decades.
Because of the durability of teak in all weather conditions, in
the old days, the sailor use teak as ship’s deck and benches.
The decking on these ships was in such good condition when the
ships were about to be scrapped; the wood was recycled and
remade into outdoor furniture. The still use it for the deck and
bench ever since. Now, not only being use by the needs of ship
but also recliner on the beach, near the pool, benches at public
parks, dining table at snow resources and other public areas are
furnished with teak, some of which are nearly a century old.
Beside the durability
nature, teak furniture is very smooth and does not splinter. The
color of teak also stay very neutral in all weather condition
whether its exposed to the sun or cold winter days around the
years. Its also has good smell and pleasant aromatic for years
and years.
Teak is a deciduous tree,
which grows in dry, hilly terrains of forests in Southeast Asia.
It cannot grow in rain forest. Actually, the best hardwood teak
comes from Indonesia. Most of the teak furniture, which is sold
around the world, not comes from natural forest – tree farms.
But still, from planting, growing until be a good teak hardwood
will takes at least 50 years.
When untreated teak
furniture is used indoors (as it is in restaurants, office
lobbies, shopping centers, etc.), the wood grain evens in tone,
becoming and staying a very rich golden brown color.
Why Buy From Anderson Teak?
Anderson Teak is a manufacturer specialized in Teak Garden
Furniture. We have more experience than any other company
in this field.
We make
the furniture from kiln dried first grade plantation grown
teakwood (Tectona Grandis) from the legal sources in Indonesia.
We only use marine grade brass and stainless steel fitting for
our furniture.
Our furniture is manufactured in higher standard compare to
other teak garden furniture.
We assemble our furniture using the traditional method of
mortise and tenon joints with teakwood dowels.
We are the main and first hand source for retail stores,
wholesalers, and even importers in Teak Garden Furniture.
Our furniture are built with pride and confidence. Made
from high quality material and hardware that makes the furniture
last long for generations.
100% Product Guarantee
If you're not satisfied with our product, let us know and we'll
make it right. Within 30 days, we'll gladly replace it,
refund your money (excluding delivery and restocking charges*)
or credit you for our other items. After 30 days items may
be exchanged for the same product or for merchandise credit.
Caring About Teak
We are often asked
about the best ways to care for Teak Furniture. Because of the
hard and yet forgiving nature of the timber it will withstand a
great deal of abuse. But it will also repay a little tender
loving care, so you may care to read through this page and pick
up a few hints.
Generally, you can buy our Teak Garden Furniture in one of two
conditions:
Fine sanded
Oiled with Teak Oil.
Fine Sanded
If you buy your furniture fine sanded it will have only the
natural color of the wood coupled with the raw natural texture
of the teak grain. The untreated timber is a very pleasant
yellowy-brown olive color when still fresh.
If your furniture is to be used indoors, and away from a lot of
natural sunlight, over a period of time -perhaps six months to a
year - the wood will gradually become a darker shade of brown.
If on the other hand the furniture is left outdoors, the effects
of the suns rays will 'bleach out' the timbers natural color,
gradually turning it a soft silvery gray color. This silvery
gray 'patina' which develops over time gives Teak Furniture a
distinctive appearance. The silver gray color resulting from
this natural ageing process is considered to be very attractive,
and allows the furniture to blend in well with many outdoor
environments. Teak furniture left in this state is easily
maintained, and needs no treatment whatsoever to give many years
of service. And this is about as easy as a maintenance schedule
as its possible to get!
Teak Oiled
If you buy your furniture already oiled with teak oil it will
have a darker than normal mid brown color and a soft sheen. Teak
wood is of itself naturally oily and requires no treatment to be
used indoors or outdoors, and the use of teak oil won't increase
the life of the timber. It does change the color somewhat and it
can also help a little to prevent stains from seeping into the
timber grain. It will slow down the graying effect caused by
ultra violet rays.
To maintain its appearance teak oiled furniture will need to be
re-oiled periodically. If you decide to re-oil your furniture
you can contact us for supplies of teak oil, or buy from your
local supplier. A basic method for oiling is as follows:
The furniture will need to be cleaned first [see below]
Afterwards ensure that it is nice and dry before starting to
oil. Have a good look around the furniture first and attend to
any areas requiring sanding before starting work.
You will need some teak oil, a clean 1" or 2" paint
brush, some clean cotton rags, good light and plenty of space to
work in. It can be a little messy so be sure to wear some
overalls, and wearing household gloves to keep the oil off your
hands is a good idea as well.
The oil can be applied with a clean brush, starting from the top
and working downwards. The surface should be left wet by the
brush, but try to avoid leaving too much surplus oil behind as
you work.
After a few minutes - maybe 5 - 15 depending on the ambient
temperature, the oil will start to become 'tacky'. At this point
the surface of the furniture should be wiped down with a clean
cotton rag, carefully removing all surplus oil.
One coat is usually sufficient, but you can apply a second coat
if required, after a minimum of one hour for the first coat to
dry. Once you've completed the oiling and the surface is touch
dry, a second clean rag can be used to buff up the surface.
Please be sure to dispose of any used rags and cleaning cloths
carefully, and in accordance with the instructions from the oil
manufacturer.
Cleaning Teak Furniture
If your Teak furniture requires cleaning this can be done with a
normal household bristle brush [not too hard] and some warm
mildly soapy water. Wash down afterwards with clean water. There
are also proprietary cleaners on the market which can also be
used to clean off various deposits and accumulated dirt and
stains.
We do not recommend the use of high pressure hoses, and steel
wool or steel wire brushes should not be used at all as any
residue left in the grain will rust and discolor the wood.
If the furniture has some stubborn and heavily ingrained stains
these can be removed by sanding with a fine grade of sandpaper,
being sure to work only with the direction of the timber grain.
After sanding stains away like this, if the furniture was
previously teak oiled you may wish to re-oil, or if it had
previously been left natural, the fresh teak color exposed by
sanding will soon mellow in with the existing silver gray
patina.
|
