Teak has grown on plantations as long as people can remember. As you will probably know, the first teakplantations were founded on Java. The first teakplantations outside of Java were founded in 1860 on Sri Lanka, by the Dutchman Van Rhede.After that the number of teakplantations grew rapidly, for example on the Indonesian islands, in India and Myanmar. This number has grown steadily ever since, until in 1990 the total area of �registered teak� was estimated to be 2.2 million hectares.It is striking that no less than 90% of these plantations could be found in Asia.

Teak is not a very fast growing tree. In favorable areas Teak can reach 130 to 150 feet in height. 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 with straight or wavy grain. Teak is rich with 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 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 after for decks, trim and detail work in expensive boats, fine furniture, flooring, carving, joinery, cabinetwork, paneling, turnery and veneering.

Teak is durable in all weather conditions. Teak's extremely dense grained hardwood resists rot, warping, shrinking and swelling. Its high natural oil content continually preserves the wood so it can be left outdoors for years. So durable that in the old days, sailors would use teak for the ship's decks and benches. The decking on these ships were in such good condition, that when the ships were to be scrapped, the wood was recycled and remade into outdoor furniture. They still use it for the decks and benches. Today, Teak is not only being used on ships, but also for recliners on the beach, near the pool, benches at public parks, dining tables, snow resorts, other public areas. Some which are nearly a century old.

Besides durability, teak furniture is very smooth and does not splinter. The color of teak also stays very neutral in all weather conditions whether its exposed to the sun or cold winter days year round. Teak has a pleasant aromatic smell that lasts for years.

Teak is a deciduous tree, which grows in the dry, hilly, forest terrains of Southeast Asia. It cannot grow in rain forests. The best hardwood teak comes from Indonesia. Most of the teak furniture, which is sold around the world, is not harvested from natural forests, but tree farms. From planting, growing and harvesting, good teak hardwood takes at least 50 years to bring to market.