About Teak Lumber
Teak lumber is made from the wood of the teak tree, a native of Southeast Asia. Teak is primarily used in the flooring industry in the United States, although it is sometimes used for other purposes. Teak wood contains natural oils that resist weathering, and the wood itself is very resistant to termites and rot. Most of the world's teak lumber is exported from Indonesia and Burma. Does this Spark an idea?
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Features
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Teak lumber used for wood flooring in the United States is typically sold in 3 to 4-inch wide boards with a tongue and groove structure. This allows the boards to fit together neatly and hides the nails used to attach them to the floor. Many different lengths are available and are chosen based on the style of wood flooring desired.
Geography
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Teak lumber is harvested primarily in Indonesia and Burma, and comes from monsoon forest trees. Teak is also found in the Philippines, and is even planted by several state forestry programs in the United States. The varieties of teak found in the Philippines and Burma are endangered. Naturally occurring teak forests do not exist in the United States, although teak wood is cultivated in warm, dry regions with heavy seasonal rainfall.
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Benefits
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Teak lumber contains natural oils that protect it from weathering. Teak lumber is very resistant to termite damage, and was used in exterior woodworking on plantation house columns, doors, and window frames for this reason. Teak lumber has very good wear characteristics, which make it an ideal choice for flooring. Except when used for flooring, teak lumber does not require varnishing or coating, and is very easily maintained. High-end boat decks and other outdoor applications benefit from teak lumber due to its near-invulnerability to weathering and insect damage.
Types
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Although teak lumber is well-known for its durability, resilience, and resistance to the effects of weather, these characteristics are much more pronounced in old-growth teak wood. Old-growth teak has a higher concentration of natural oils that give teak many of its unusual characteristics. Unfortunately, old-growth teak is cut directly from natural forests and is not a sustainable resource. Sustainable teak, which is grown on plantations, is cut much earlier in its life, before the natural oils have fully accumulated within the wood.
Considerations
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Teak lumber is a high-end construction material and should only be used when the added expense is warranted. Floors that must stand up to heavy traffic and abuse, such as those in basketball courts and dance halls, may benefit from the use of teak lumber in their construction. Teak house flooring is generally not solid teak; instead, a teak veneer is glued to another, less expensive material. Teak is rarely used in modern outdoor construction due to the rarity of old growth teak on the market and concerns about sustainability.
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