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Teak (Tectona grandis)
Overview
Teak (Tectona grandis) is a tropical hardwood tree species in the family Lamiaceae. It is a large, deciduous tree that occurs in mixed hardwood forests. Tectona grandis has small, fragrant white flowers arranged in dense clusters (panicles) at the end of the branches. These flowers contain both types of reproductive organs (perfect flowers). The large, papery leaves of teak trees are often hairy on the lower surface. Teak wood has a leather-like smell when it is freshly milled and is particularly valued for its durability and water resistance. The wood is used for boat building, exterior construction, veneer, furniture, carving, turnings, and various small projects.
Teak is a large deciduous tree up to 40 m (131 ft) tall with grey to greyish-brown branches, known for its high-quality wood. Its leaves are ovate-elliptic to ovate, 15–45 cm (5.9–17.7 in) long by 8–23 cm (3.1–9.1 in) wide, and are held on robust petioles which are 2–4 cm (0.8–1.6 in) long. Leaf margins are entire.
Fragrant white flowers are borne on 25–40 cm (10–16 in) long by 30 cm (12 in) wide panicles from June to August. The corolla tube is 2.5–3 mm long with 2 mm wide obtuse lobes. Tectona grandis sets fruit from September to December; fruits are globose and 1.2–1.8 cm in diameter. Flowers are weakly protandrous in that the anthers precede the stigma in maturity and pollen is shed within a few hours of the flower opening. The flowers are primarily entomophilous (insect-pollinated), but can occasionally be anemophilous (wind-pollinated). A 1996 study found that in its native range in Thailand, the major pollinators were species in the bee genus Ceratina.
| Species | Teak (*Tectona grandis) |
| Origin | Africa |
| Grade | AIC |
| Thickness | 18mm to 300mm |
| Width | 40mm to 300mm |
Length | 4m to 8m |
| Drying | KD, AD |
Prominent Uses |  |
Description & Distribution
Teak is a tropical hardwood known for its exceptional durability, strength, and resistance to water and decay. It's a popular choice for outdoor furniture, boat building, and other applications where these qualities are essential. The wood is naturally oily, which contributes to its resistance to the elements and pests.
Tectona grandis is native to south and southeast Asia, mainly Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Sri Lanka, but is naturalised and cultivated in many countries in Africa and the Caribbean.
Physical Characteristics
Crushing Strength: 56 MPa (+/- 6)
Specific Gravity (at 12% MC): 0.67 g/cm3 (+/- 0.06)
Stability : Stable
Static bending strength: 98 MPa ( +/- 13)
Durability and resistance
Dry Wood Borers : Class D - Durable - sapwood demarcated
Fungi: Class 1 - Very durable
Termites: Class M - Moderately durable
Treatability: Class 4 - Not permeable
Typical Applications
● Ship building (planking and deck)
● Interior joinery
● Interior panelling
● Open boats
● Cabinetwork (high class furniture)
● Sliced veneer, flooring, stairs (inside)
● Cooperage
● Turned goods
● Exterior joinery
● Exterior panelling
● Light carpentry
● Rolling shutters
● Bridges (parts in contact with water or ground)
● Bridges (parts not in contact with water or ground)
● Polesstakes
● Arched goods
● Decking
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Address
Unit 1405a 14/F, The Belgian Bank Building, Nos. 721-725 Nathan Road, Mongkok, Kln, Hong Kong