A CENTURIES-LONG HISTORY
Since around the 7th century, teak has been used to outfit and adorn both residences and boats. The wood’s reputation made its way out of the tropical South Asian regions of its native origins through the Dutch, who colonized Indonesia. They used the wood for shipbuilding; teak makes for an excellent ship wood due to its ability to ward off dry rot.
Teak is found in tropical regions like Thailand, Myanmar, Indonesia and Malaysia. Teak wood trees can grow to considerable size and often live up to 100 years. The largest, found in Myanmar in 2017, was measured at 27.5 feet in girth and 110 feet tall. Since the finest wood furniture made from teak comes from mature trees, it can take around 80 years before a teak tree planted today is harvested for wood.
The resiliency of teak is well documented. In caves in Western India, objects made from teak more than 2,000 years ago have been found intact -- astonishing for untreated, uncared-for wood.
A testament to its buoyancy as well as resilience, teak deck chairs were recovered from the sea after the Titanic went down in 1912. In 2015, one of these rare chairs went up for auction in the United Kingdom and sold for $150 thousand dollars.
AS POPULAR TODAY AS EVER
In 2023, teak is the most sought-after material for interior design. This renewable resource is making waves in the interior design industry and has become the go-to choice for many home as well as yacht owners. Prized for its durability, beauty, and sustainability. It is naturally resistant to warping, cracking, and splitting, making it ideal for indoor and outdoor use. It is a strong, dense wood that's easy to maintain. It also has a natural protective coating that helps it resist water and mold damage.
Teak is also appreciated for its unique grain patterns and warm coloring. Its reddish-brown tones are perfect for creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Left to age naturally, teak weathers into a silver gray color. The simple elegance of teak makes it the perfect choice for welcoming friends and family whether poolside, onboard, or simply enjoying a restful afternoon in the sun.
WHA’S SO SPECIAL ABOUT TEAK?
Always considered a prized material over other woods such as pine or oak, teak wood’s value, (and premium price), lies in its elegance and durability. Not only is teak durable, it’s beautiful to see and touch. Its intricate grain patterns and color variations make each piece unique unto itself. There are no other hardwoods that can match the rich luster and soft, warm, silky feel of teak that comes from the rich oil contained in the wood.
Beyond its beauty, it also possesses some natural properties that other woods don't have. All woods contain natural oils that protect the tree. Teak, however, can retain these oils and its rubber composition even after being felled and processed. Because of this, teak has greater naturally weather-resistant properties than just about any other type of wood.
Often grown in sandy areas, the sand is absorbed into the tree over time. The high silica content in teak makes it an ideal wood to use when a slip resistant surface is needed and the natural oil makes the wood resistant to mold and mildew.
When dried to a proper moisture level the oils and rubber weatherproof the wood. The oils also protect the wood from dry rot, which is a common problem in older wooden boats – and furniture. What's more, the oils and rubber protect the heart of the wood from invaders like fungi and parasites that can destroy other woods. Protecting wooden furniture from such intruders requires applications of weatherproof oils and treatments; not so with teak.
THE PERFECT FURNISHINGS FOR YOUR ONBOARD OR COASTAL LIFESTYLE
Teak is an ideal material for outdoor furniture. Exceptionally strong and durable, teak can last for generations in a wide variety of climates with zero maintenance. This is due to the high rubber and oil content of teak wood that leave it impervious to rain, weather, and pests, making it virtually immune to rot. Teak requires no extra finishes or treatments to last for generations.
Teak furniture begins with a warm, golden color, eventually fading to a silvery gray patina as it is left outdoors over time. No matter how old, teak can be cleaned to bring back its golden color.
Some teak wood is better than others, however. One type of teak, called Sapwood doesn't have the same robust properties that teak made from the heart of the tree possesses. Sapwood is named for the outer layer of any tree; the inner layers of the tree are collectively known as the heart. Trees grow outward from the center, so the tree's natural oils are found in more abundance in its heart. This makes teak heart wood more valuable than sapwood, which makes heart teak more expensive. Moreover, a tree has far more sapwood than heart wood, which also accounts for the increased price.
Variations in teak wood color: 
SUSTAINABILITY: ENSURING TEAK FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS
Teak consumption raises a number of environmental concerns, such as the disappearance of rare old-growth teak. However, its popularity worldwide has led to growth in sustainable plantation teak production throughout the seasonally dry tropics in forestry plantations. In these plantations, a predetermined number of trees can be felled each year and each tree is replaced with a new one that's planted on the plantation. Careful oversight of planting and harvesting ensures that beautiful teak wood will endure to be enjoyed by future generations.
TEAK MAINTENANCE:
Teak does not require any type of finish to maintain long life or preserve its surface. When left unfinished, teak weathers in the elements to a silver gray color. It can be easily cleaned using a soft brush and some soap and water. Some prefer this look for exterior applications.
To maintain teak’s original rich, golden luster, clean regularly with a damp cloth and apply a high quality Teak Oil. To restore weathered teak to a rich luster, we recommend a three-step process to clean, brighten and preserve the wood:
1) To clean dirty or stained wood use a Teak Cleaner. Avoid chemical cleaners.
2) To bring out the natural wood grain and original wood color treat with a Teak Brightener.
3) Finally, to seal and protect cleaned teak, apply a Teak Oil annually, or more often in harsher environments.
A CORE ELEMENT AT NAUTICAL LUXURIES
Throughout almost every collection at Nautical Luxuries, you’ll find fine teak wood products. From bath and kitchen accessories, to furniture and decorative accents we invite you to explore all of the beautiful teak items we offer. Sourced from environmentally responsible growers, each teak item is not only a valued addition to your home or yacht, but an enduring investment in your love of boats and living by the sea.
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