We have built an impeccable reputation over a decade and a half providing the finest quality original teak from Africa and Latin America. Our company, Maa Santoshi Timber,is located in Gandhidham, Gujarat. Considering our clients’ value and trust in us as one of the most reliable timber suppliers in India, we understand the price of original teak and the threats posed by the numerous substitute products in the market. Therefore, this comprehensive guide is designed for the identification of these original woods and making an informed choice for your next project.
What Makes Teak Wood So Valuable?
The listed attributes for Teak are as follows:
- Presence of natural oil content prevents fungi, termites, and moisture.
- Everlasting durability makes this wood resist deterioration for decades retaining its strength and beauty.
- A nice pattern of grain and golden-brown color that turns into a classic silver-gray; if kept outdoors untreated, many people prefer this color.
- Shrinkage is very minimal, making it fit for doors, windows, and high-end furniture.
These properties make teak an investment — which is why some sellers try to substitute cheaper wood under the misnomer “teak.” Here are the ideas to know what genuine teak wood is.
1. Understand the Characteristics of Teak Wood
Now that we have generally considered what teak wood is into identification techniques, let us refer to what makes teak unique:
- Color: it is golden brown or yellowish when new. Over time, it will darken a little.
- Grain: teak has a straight grain pattern, although sometimes it could be wavy. Usually, it is smooth and uniform.
- Oil content: contains natural oils, therefore it has a little greasy touch. Those oils help resist moisture and pests.
- Scent: Original teak has a distinctive leathery or oily aroma, which is often a giveaway.
2. Check Density and Weight
Teak is a very dense hardwood and therefore usually heavier than any other wood; once you feel the wood being notoriously light for its size, it might not be teak. High density means durability, and that is one of the reasons why teak survives for decades without any compromise on its strength.
Tip: Lift a plank of teak and place it alongside that of sal or mango, of the same dimensions, and have it visible.
3. Water Resistance Test
One of the things that makes teak a good choice for outdoor furniture is its unique chemical composition. Simple test:
- Sprinkle a few drops of water onto the wooden surface.
- Now, just sit back and stare for 10 to 15 minutes.
If the water remains on the surface and forms droplets after 10-15 minutes, then most probably it is teak; otherwise if the water gets absorbed by the wood quicker, it is most likely some sort of artificial or treated wood.
4. Smell the Wood
The smell of teak has a clear signature aroma – earthy, leathery, and very faintly spiced. It is not overwhelming but, nevertheless, very natural. Fake wood or chemically treated wood, however, either smells synthetic or has no smell whatsoever.
5. Examine the Texture and Grain
Texture: Usually smooth even without finish; that is the way teak feels!
Grain Pattern: Typical ripple-like to more or less straight. Unlike inferior woods like rubberwood or pine, teak doesn’t flaunt uneven patchy streaks.
6. Perform the Scratch Test
You can scratch a small area out of sight with a fingernail or a coin. Real teak resists surface damage better than softer woods. If the scratch is deep and easy to make, the wood is likely a substitute.
7. Source and Certification Verification
Reliable suppliers are those providing some evidence of where the wood comes from and certificates for ethical harvesting.
You should look for:
- FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification.
- In essence, a reputable source for teak should include Burma (Myanmar), Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Indonesia for the timber documentation.
The origin of teak wood and its grading must always be checked. Premium-grade (A-grade) wood has a fine, tighter grain, with more oil and fewer defects.
8. Price Quality: Never Fall for Cheap Deals
Teak is a very high-end furnishing. If the price sounds good to be true, probably it is. Cheap “teak” may be:
- Low plantation teak
- Softwood with chemicals injected
- Veneered wood panels (teak on top, cheaper wood inside)
Remember: Good teak is an investment — and genuine quality comes at a fair price
9. Seek Expert Opinion
When one is in doubt, consult a carpenter, an interior designer, or a timber expert. At Maa Santoshi Timber, we encourage customers to ask questions and check samples before actually committing to what they are buying.
Imagine a professional opinion.
Often, when in doubt, consult a carpenter, interior designer, or timber expert. At Maa Santoshi Timber, we encourage our customers to ask questions, check samples, and see what they are buying before they actually commit to it.
Additional Tips
- Sandpaper rubbing: Reflection of real teak’s golden hue on the surface means a fake would have a different” hue inward.”
- Using a UV flashlight: Some imitation wood will have UV-reactive properties due to chemical treatment, while genuine teak wood will exhibit none.
- Inquire About Age: The matured teak wood is, the better its quality and hardness as compared to younger plantation teak.
Conclusion
Be it for a new home, a furniture project, or even renovations, one needs to ensure that the teak bought is truly that. Nothing compares to real teak for strength, elegance, and resilience; that is, after all, only if it is real.
We at Maa Santoshi Timber deal with the best of the premium grades in teak, responsibly sourced to meet all your requirements-be it sawn sizes, logs, rough square, or customized cuts. Not just that, carpenters, architects, and builders have all put their trust in us across India, and we are at it to ensure you get lifetime value in what you want.