Teak (Tectona Grandis) is one of the world’s most valuable timbers. It has a naturally high oil and rubber content, which makes it extremely durable.
Not only durable but also resistant to rotting when exposed for many years to extremes of both summer and winter.
Many terms have come to light surrounding high-quality teak. Two of these are “old growth” teak and “plantation” teak. Teak is a high-quality hardwood that is grown in several countries in Southeast Asia.
Being that from the time of planting to the time of harvest is fairly long. The return on teak trees can be a long time coming. Some families in Indonesia, plant teak as a retirement investment for their young children.
This is the case for some sellers selling “plantation teak.” This wood may or may not be grown in Southeast Asia and may come from South or Central America. Certified Southeast Asian teak is grown on sustainable farms or plantations and is heavily regulated by the government.
Teak From America vs Asia
When purchasing teak from South or Central America, you are not getting the same quality nor the same sustainability of teak from Asia. These sellers should be treated with some level of caution. The wood from these “plantations” is usually very good, but doesn’t have the same level of quality as the true teak.
Related: What You Need to Know about Jepara Furniture
Genuine and high-quality teak is very hard, with a straight grain, and has a slight and pleasant aroma. Some variation happens when harvesting the sapwood and the grain may be more curved.
The distinctive scent of teak wood is often described as the scent of vegetable oil or leather. This scent comes from the teak oil in the wood, which has been described as “liquid gold” since this oil gives teak many of its qualities – bug and rot resistance among others – which make teak so desirable.
The initial quality and appearance of teak chairs made from Asian and South American sources may appear the same. In some cases, the South American teak may look better, but this is not always the case.
There have been reports over the last several years of “dipped” teak coming from several sources, South America being one. This teak is dipped into a chemical that coats the teak, seals the oils in, and gives lesser quality teak a more uniform color. This wood is truly inferior and is often marketed as “A grade” at a bargain price.
Whether you decide to buy South American or Asian teak, make sure that you are getting the best wood for your price. Sure if possible, if it seems too good to be true.
Related: The Benefits of Teak Wood Furniture: It’s Not Only about Strength and Durability!
Indonesian Legal Wood (SVLK: Indonesia’s Passport to the Global Furniture Market)
The Sistem Verifikasi Legalitas Kayu (SVLK) is Indonesia’s essential certification for accessing the international wood furniture market. This system guarantees that the raw materials used in production are sourced from environmentally friendly and government-managed forests.
As a key player in the Indonesian furniture export industry, CV Mutiara Jepara Indofurni understands the critical importance of SVLK. By adhering to this certification, we ensure that all our products originate from legal sources. This commitment to sustainability is further emphasized by the accompanying V-Legal document for every export, providing transparent traceability of our wood materials.
