Thread: Is it really Teak?

I used some genuine (i hope!!) teak in a project a few years ago, and to me, the distinctive feature of the timber whilst working with it was the smell - not really strong, but quite similar to olives (!?)

I have just brought some of this that is harvetsted out of the Solomans I am yet to use it.

regards

Teak has a distinctive smell, even when it is finished and even when very old. Its like nutmeg, or maybe cinnamon.

I suspect the very low price is an indicator that it is illegally harvested, rather then the low labour cost. Probably ripped illegally from a Borneo rainforest.

Arron

It most likely is teak but not old growth forests. The best teak used to come from Burma which is now Myanmar and had a much darker colour, was oilier and denser. Teak is now grown in plantation as well as occurring in other south east asian countries. The rapid growth is what makes it a little lighter in colour and less dense.
Mahogany is also grown in plantation far from it's origin and is also generally lighter and less dense

Most likely it is teak, but crappy teak.

There is lots of crappy teak here, quite young and often lots of knots and faults. Generally it is used very green.

Whatever they make usually looks ok for a while, then it shrinks, cracks and all the joints open.

Generally (there are always exceptions) the workmanship and finishing is very average.

Lots of people buy cheap furniture here to ship home and then are disappointed when doors and drawers don't work or fit properly and joints crack or open up.

Be very careful.

Cheers,

Dan