True Teak
From Floor Coverings
Contents |
Wood Species
True Teak
Biological name
Tectona, grandis
Originates from or commonly found in
Burma, Thailand, Java and India.
Physical appearance
The True Teak tree has an approximate height of 150 feet. The trunk has a diameter between 3-5 feet. The tree grows bluish to white colored flowers which are arranged in clusters. The fruit is a drupe. True Teak’s sapwood is white to yellow, while the heartwood is a dark, golden-yellow or brown with chocolate streaks.
Flooring Properties
True Teak has been traditionally used for shipbuilding, but also has great appeal as flooring. The texture is usually uneven, and the yellow-brown wood displays a wavy grain pattern with dark striping. Nailing can be a difficult task with True Teak, but it holds nails well once holes are pre-drilled. Sawing can also be a problem because of Teak’s dulling effect on blades, although it does sand well. Natural oils in the wood can interfere with stain, so it is recommended to either use a solvent before staining is attempted or to use water-based finishing. True Teak’s color change takes place over less time than most hardwood species. With exposure to sunlight and oxidization, True Teak will darken to a golden brown.
Janka rating
True Teak has a hardness rating of 1155.
