Teak (Tectona Grandis) is indigenous to India, Burma, Thailand, Indochina and Java. It has been extensively planted for timber and as an ornamental tree throughout the tropical regions of the world, including East and West Africa, Cuba, the Carribean, Panama and Brazil.

Teak cannot grow in the rain forest; it is a deciduous tree that thrives in the dry, hilly terrain of plantation forest in Southeast Asia. A plantation-grown teak tree will reach a height of up to 150 feet, with a diametre of 3-5 feet. It is only ready to be harvested after 50-60 years.

Java has very large teak plantations, initially planted by the Dutch in the early 1800's. Today, these plantations are closely monitored by the Indonesian government. A strict policy regulates the number and size of the teak trees that can be cut. Those that are cut down are replaced with newly planted trees to maintain the forest for future generations. In its native area, teak is a high-valued crop and a vital source of income and employment.

Teak is regarded as one of the most beautiful, high-quality wood known today. It is a very dense, straight-grained hardwood with a coarse texture, high natural oil content and a distinctively aromatic pleasant scent.

Widely renowned for its durability and resistence to rotting, teak is almost impervious to the effects of the sun, rain, frost and snow. Its high level of resinous oil acts as a natural insect repellent, giving it a very high resistance to termites. Due to its hard-wearing nature, teak has been the timber of choice in shipbuilding for hundreds of years. More recently, it has become a popular material for outdoor and indoor furniture. Many other hardwood are often marketed as "teak substitutes", but no other material performs to the same standards as genuine teak.

Another popular trail of teakwood is its weathering tendency. Over time, teak furniture left outside will attain a handsome silvery gray patina. This process takes approximately nine months, depending on the amount of sunlight and rain exposure. During weathering, a slight lifting of the grain may occur on the tops of the arms and legs, and you may even see a few cracks. This is not considered a defect, but a natural expanding and contracting of the wood. The grain will return to its original smooth finish after the weathering process is complete.

Teak requires no preservatives or treatment of any kind to protect it from the elements. Natural teak will gradually weather to a silvery gray colour (weathering effects) when left outdoors. You will begin to notice the "graying" after a short period of three months or so, depending upon the amount of sunlight and rain the furniture is exposed to. Total weathering will take about nine months.

The "graying" is only on the surface layer and can be removed by cleaning with soapy water and a poly-bristle scrub brush or, with a pressure washer (1000-1400 p.s.i. maximum). To maintain the silver graying, gently clean the furniture with warm soft-soapy water regularly. Be sure to use a non-abrasive brush or sponge, and avoid using steel wool or wire brushes. When finished, rinse the entire piece with low-pressure water to remove any dirt or remaining solution.

Scratches and scrapes can be easily removed with medium grade sandpaper, but keep in mind that sanding will remove the "graying".

Small cracks, know as "checking" may appear on the timber and are considered entirely natural. Checking is non-structural in nature and is not to be considered a concern or defect.

If you wish to maintain the original tawny colour of your furniture, you may consider a light application of Teak Oil.

Furniture intended exclusively for interior use should be oiled.
We are often asked about the necessity of oiling Teakwood furniture. To begin with, please understand that it is not needed to protect the furniture. Oiling is done to maintain the warm tones of the wood -- it keeps the furniture from weathering to a soft gray colour.
1. Your furniture MUST BE completely dry before application, otherwise moisture trapped within the wood may cause black mildew spots to appear after oiling. Your furniture may take up to 48 hours to fully dry after rain.
2. You must apply Teak Oil before your furniture begins to weather. If it has begun to weather, scrub your furniture with a stiff poly-bristle brush and soapy water, rinsing as you go with the garden hose, (Note: a pressure washer gives a wonderful job) then allow the furniture to fully dry. (refer #1)
3. Ensure the surfaces are cleaned and free from dust.
4. Use true Teak Oil -- do NOT use "finish". (Teak Oil is also available at all Gotic Outlets)
5. Follow the instructions on the Teak Oil for application. Generally, this would be to apply a light coating with a clean, lint free rag or paint brush. One coat is sufficient. (refer our salesperson on how to get a better result)
6. Teak Oil will trap dirt and darken with age, therefore it will be necessary to scrub off the old oil and recoat periodically. (once a year is generally sufficient)