You need to understand the difference between teak grades A, B, and C if you are in the wooden furniture business. Even if you only want to buy teak furniture, you still need to understand the different grades so that you won’t be scammed or fooled by irresponsible people.
Teak Wood Grades: What Are They?
So, what’s difference between teak grade A, B, and C? Although teak is known as this durable and solid wood, it has different grades. All of the wood is solid, but some woods are better than others because of the grades. How are the teak wood grades decided? It depends on the wood’s appearance, quality, and the place (or area) where it’s made or produced.
Grade A
What is grade A teak? Well, this is the highest and also best quality of teak wood. The perfect quality comes from the core innermost part (or the center), known as the heartwood. That’s why the color is typically natural golden. It also has a high shine with a close-grain appearance. it also has this distinctive uniform appearance that is just elegantly beautiful. This part of the wood is very durable and solid.
So, what’s difference between teak grade A,B, and C? Grade A teak is the best for outdoor furniture. This type of wood has the highest level of oil and silica, which is responsible for impressive rot, insect, and decay resistance. Not only is it the most durable teak, but it is also naturally gorgeous because of its uniform appearance. In most cases, grade A teak is often cut with machines so precision can be ensured. Afterwards, the wood still needs to undergo a very certain drying process.
Grade B
Whereas Grade A teak wood comes from the core, grade B comes from the outer area of the tree. Compared to grain A, it has less shine and is a bit uneven. It’s still a high-quality teak, but not as perfect as grade A. In terms of price, this one is less expensive than grade A.
One of the main characteristics of this teak is that it has a somewhat warmer color. It has more knots and also occasional streaks. The appearance is duller with only less oil. It’s okay as outdoor furniture, but you can’t expect it to last forever unless you can provide good protection and coverage against the elements.
Grade C
In the ‘kingdom’ of teak wood, grade C is the lowest quality type. It is taken from the outermost area of the tree. That’s why it’s the lightest teak in color, which is somewhat almost whitish. It has the most uneven grain and also knots. When it comes to appearance, this type of teak isn’t the most ‘beautiful’. It’s the cheapest teak that is considered affordable for everyone. It’s often used as undercover (outdoor) furniture or other stuff where the look isn’t important.
Grade C teak has the most sapwood or the youngest type of wood. Some of its knots are filled with wood putty or epoxy. Because it’s not as hardy as the grade A, this type of wood can be handcrafted.
This is the most affordable and budget-friendly type of wood that is quite okay for outdoor usage. However, if you can keep it undercover on the patio or balcony, you can expect it to last. If you are willing to make extra efforts with proper care and maintenance, you can have it for decades.
In the end, you should know the different grades of teak wood so you know for sure which one you like the most. Now that you understand what’s difference between teak grade A,B, and C, you can make better decisions and prepare the right budgets.
