Teak stands out from other tropical decking species for many reasons. While it’s most often used within the boat building industry, Teak is also ideal for use in other exterior applications, such as windows, doors, outdoor furniture, and decking. In fact, many of the same characteristics that make it so sought after for marine applications make it perfect for decks as well.

Teak’s Unique Appearance

Even though freshly milled Teak can appear streaky and discolored, we all love that golden brown color to which it eventually mellows over time. Combined with the straight grain, Teak’s consistent coloring makes it appealing for many uses, including decking or in other applications. (Well, to be fair, not all Teak looks quite as attractive as all that, but FEQ Teak does, and that’s all we carry here at J. Gibson McIlvain.)

Teak’s Durability

Teak’s durability is highly connected to the silica content in which Teak trees grow. From the sandy soil the silica infiltrates the wood fibers, creating an unrivaled waterproof effect. (Some plantation-grown Teak lacks this exceptional waterproof characteristic.) The silica content combines with natural oils in the wood to repel insects as well as water.

Teak’s Stability

Teak holds its shape quite well, making it perfect for exterior applications where tight tolerances combine with harsh conditions. Whether you’re building a world-class yacht or a high-end deck, your Teak project will withstand anything Mother Nature throws her way without twisting, warping, or losing her beauty. When you add this characteristic to the weather and insect resistance of Teak as well as its exceptional appearance, you have a winning lumber species on your hands.

Teak’s Availability

While there have been issues with exporting Teak from Myanmar, the good news is that there are now many Teak plantations located throughout Asia, the Caribbean and South America which are producing Teak wood. While some of the Teak has already been deemed unacceptable for boat-building use, it’s still ideal for many other uses including decking. Boat builders require extremely particular sizes and grain patterns and simply cannot afford to accept a board with even a tiny pin knot. For most uses, these Teak boards already in our lumber yard are absolutely ideal.

At J Gibson McIlvain, we source our high quality Teak lumber from FSC forests and plantations around the world.