Teak lumber is incredibly stable and durable, and, as a result, it is very popular for use in construction projects in the boating industry. The wood holds its shape very well, and this makes Teak lumber a great choice for yacht building projects, as well as a wide range of other projects and applications in which the lumber used must perform well under harsh conditions and within tight tolerances.
With Teak, as with all other types of lumber, there are varying degrees of quality among the boards and sources. First European Quality (FEQ) Teak is prized among wood experts and average homeowners alike for its consistent coloration and grain patterns, so high quality lumber wholesalers like McIlvain Company therefore take great care to source their lumber from only the most proven and reputable sources. McIlvain, for example, only purchases its Teak lumber from old growth sources located in Southeast Asia, and there is a very logical reason for this choice of location, a reason which stems from the natural characteristics of Teak lumber: Teak wood naturally has a very high silica content, largely as a result of the sandy soil in which it is grown, and this silica content penetrates the fibers of the growing trees. This process makes the lumber nearly waterproof, which is one of the many reasons it is so popular in the boating industry and other outdoor applications. Old growth Teak like that sourced from the region preferred by McIlvain has a much higher silica content and is therefore naturally of a much higher quality than the cheaper Teak grown in plantations.
Adding to the durability of Teak lumber are the naturally occurring oils which serve to protect the wood. These oils effectively repel insects and also increase the wood’s natural ability to resist attacks by mold and fungus.
In addition to its natural durability, Teak is also prized for its beautiful appearance. The wood has a wonderful golden brown color, although when freshly machined its pattern can sometimes be somewhat variable. However, over time and if allowed to remain exposed to sun and air, the wood’s streaks have the tendency to mellow a bit and assimilate into the signature coloration of the rest of the wood.
Teak’s beautiful appearance, combined with its remarkable durability in terms of stability, ability to repel water, and resistance to insect attacks, make it a fantastic choice for projects across a wide range of applications.
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