10 Interesting Facts About Teak Wood You Should Know

Teak wood has been acknowledged for its durability and beauty for centuries. This Southeast Asian-native wood is also a treasured hunt for global retailers for its long-lasting business value. But other than that, what actually makes teak wood such a prized lumber?

As an Indonesian furniture manufacturer that has excelled in producing handcrafted teak collections, we will reveal 10 interesting facts about teak wood and why it is highly valuable, not just for furniture pieces but also for luxury constructions like boats and yachts. Let’s dive in.

What Makes Teak Wood So Special?

It is widely known that the “king of woods” has a long history as a reliable material for durable furniture products, some even last for 80 years. Some manufacturers have also managed to recycle teak furniture products that are over 2000 years old. What else can a teak offer? Here is the full explanation.

The Timeless Allure of Natural Teak

For designers and homeowners, the classic yet strong appearance is the ultimate reason why they want to display teak as their home furnishings. The golden-brown tone and natural grain pattern make it visually appealing, successfully creating an impression of both luxury and serenity.

Choosing teak furniture is not just fulfilling aesthetic purposes, but it is also a great long-term investment that brings you both quality & elegance.

Why Teak is the Benchmark of Premium Wood

From endurance to elegance, teak has all the things a rich wood could have; it is termite-proof, resilient to weather changes, and also hard to rot. These lush features then result in an unmatched timber by any other type of wood.

Take oak for an example. It has all the high-end features, but not the durability of teak wood. Then we have mahogany or mindi, which can be affordable options, but can’t bring the good quality of teak wood.

Interesting Facts About Teak Wood

Now we know a little bit about teak wood and why it’s lovable. But the thing is, teak still has a lot more amazing trademarks to uncover. Here are 10 things about teak wood that you might not know.

1. Teak Contains Natural Oils That Repel Water & Pests

First, we have the essential ingredients from a teak wood: natural oils & minerals that make it resistant to water, insects, weather extremes, and rotting. Not many woods have this incredible defense system, especially the ones that are usually used for furniture products. Other logs that have this incredible defense, such as cedar and iroko, still lose in the density aspect.

2. It Becomes More Beautiful With Age

When a teak is kept so long in your house, you are investing in some color-changing event that won’t disappoint you. A fresh-cut teak product is usually in a medium spectrum of brown, but it gets darker over time, making it more aesthetically pleasing.

3. Used for Shipbuilding Centuries Ago

This is a fact that most people don’t know: teak has been trusted to support decks of super yachts and hulls of century-old boats due to its water resistance. During the 15th century, European sailors even began to have a high demand for teak wood. The British Royal Navy even demanded to use of teak as its prominent material for their ships in the 17th century.

4. Requires Minimal Maintenance

Thanks to its durability and resistance, teak furniture and products are very easy to maintain. No need to do regular cleaning, a teak wood only needs light brushing and coating with a sealer once or twice a year to keep its natural color. Let it age with grace.

5. Sustainably Harvested Teak Supports Reforestation

It takes 25 years for a teak tree to grow and become strong enough to be used in furniture products. It also means that harvesting teak takes time, and when it matures, it lets the younger trees grow, allowing the forest to regenerate naturally.

Especially for an Indonesian teak, which is normally harvested at a minimum of 35 years old. The strict regulation by the Indonesian government on sourcing teak responsibly also makes this specific teak type more sustainable than others. So, if you are planning to buy teak products from an Indonesian supplier, it’s advised to plan your purchase by looking into the teak production season and the best time to buy.

6. Each Teak Grain Pattern is Unique — No Two Pieces Are Alike

Every teak product you buy is not just special because of its wood crafting process, but teak actually has a unique grain pattern itself. It is shaped by a few factors, such as climate and its own growth. This is also one of the reasons why teak wood is more expensive than any other timber.

7. Perfect for Both Indoor and Outdoor Furniture

If other lumbers are specialized in a specific type of room, teak says otherwise. For example, mahogany and oak are perfect for indoor furnishings for their rich appearance, but teak could easily overtake them as its look simply outshines them.

Then, what do we have for outdoor furniture that stands for longevity if not relying on teak? So, teak wins and is perfect for both indoor and outdoor decorations.

8. Matures Slowly, Which Enhances Its Strength

Some things can’t bring you good if you are in a rush, and teak wood takes note of it very carefully. As stated before, teak wood takes 25 years to mature and be harvested. The older it stands on the soil, the greater the quality you get. A 40-80-year-old teak tree provides the best wood.

9. Naturally Resistant to Warping and Cracking

Besides protecting the wood from external substances, the natural essence that was mentioned before also creates great metal protection. When most lumber corrodes from being in contact with metals, teak doesn’t budge.

10. Preferred by Luxury Furniture Brands Worldwide

With its abundant good qualities and timeless endurance, teak wood has garnered a reputation among notable brands worldwide. For example, MPP Furniture has been handling clients from Dubai, Australia, and even the United States to provide handcrafted teak furniture.

How MPP Furniture Transforms Teak Into Timeless Creations

For over 20 years, MPP Furniture has successfully manufactured and delivered thousands of teak creations overseas in the United States, Dubai, Australia, Spain, and many more; from indoor & outdoor needs to customized crafts that are expertly produced in detail.

Combining Technology and Craftsmanship

MPP Furniture uses advanced manufacturing technology like CNC machinery for precise cuts and smooth surfaces. We also employ a skilled artisan team who will construct, paint, and assemble the product, delivering superior quality for clients.

Ethically Sourced, Expertly Crafted

According to Wifitalents in 2024, 70% of customers prefer buying product lines that are sustainably sourced. In response to this, MPP Furniture provides furniture collections that are SVLK-certified, a legal certification from the Indonesian government that ensures the products are responsibly sourced.

Customized Design for Your Brand

We are also open for custom design or any design changes for your branding. We accept ODM/OEM requests, all perfectly tailored to your business needs. Our free product development service helps you get exclusive product lines, making your business stand out with a preferred USP. Just give us the specific & details, and let us do the rest.

Medium-to-Large-Scale, All Delivered Safely to Your Country

We take bulk purchases or even customized products on a smaller scale. With a guaranteed 99% of client satisfaction and only a 0.56% complaint rate, we ensure you a high margin profit, fewer returns, and hassle-free shipping to your location worldwide.

Ready to Bring Teak’s Beauty Into Your Space?

Teak’s great durability and beauty have snatched global attention for the perfect furniture at home. If you are a retailer looking for the perfect wood products to sell, teak furniture is an option that offers long-lasting value to your customers.

With over 2 decades of expertise, MPP Furniture is ready to deliver the best teak crafts of the high-quality teak tree from Indonesian forests. Our responsive communication & export-ready documentation benefit you with a hassle-free shipment and smooth transactions.

The combination of our customizability in design, expertise in handcrafted teak, and trusted, strict QC of each production makes MPP Furniture your best reliable partner for long-term growth. Schedule a free consultation with us and see how we can help your business.