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Teak is a tropical hardwood tree species. Teak wood is very water resistant, durable, and resistant to pests, diseases, and rot. Therefore, it is extremely popular for building things like outdoor furniture and boats, which would be exposed to the elements. [1] X Research source Because of these great qualities, teak wood is also very expensive. By looking closely at color, grain, scent, and weight, you can make sure the teak you're getting is real and authentic.
Steps
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Look for dark golden-brown to yellowish-white wood. The color of teak wood varies depending on what species a tree is and what part of the tree the wood is from. Color ranges from dark golden-brown to yellowish-white. [2] X Research source Knowing what type of teak you're looking for is important when examining color.
- The outer layer of the tree is called sapwood and is yellowish-white in color. This wood has a higher moisture content and is therefore weaker than heartwood. [3] X Research source
- The core of the tree is called heartwood and ranges from golden brown to darker brown. [4] X Research source This wood is harder, stronger, more expensive, and generally more desirable than sapwood.
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Ask if the wood is stained. Some teak dealers or stores may stain the wood, therefore masking its true color. Make sure to ask if the wood you're interested in has any stains on it. If it does, you'll need to identify the wood in a different way.
- Since teak wood gets darker with age, you should also ask about the age of the wood so you can make sure you get the type of wood you want. [5] X Research source
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Look for a straight grain. The grain of true teak wood is generally straight. It will look like straight streaks or lines of a darker color than the rest of the wood. [6] X Research source If the wood grain doesn't look straight or at least mostly straight, you'll want to ask some questions.
- Depending on how the wood was cut, the grain could also be slightly wavy. [7] X Research source
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Identify teak wood by its leather-like smell. Scent is a great indicator of real teak wood. Teak wood has a high amount of natural oils, which helps it resist disease. [8] X Research source Pick up the wood and smell it. You should be able to smell the natural oils, which smell like leather. [9] X Research source
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Pick up the wood to check for heavy weight. Weight is another way to identify teak wood. If it is real teak wood, it will be very dense and moderately heavy. [10] X Research source Pick up the wood and test it. It should be heavier than particle board.
- If it feels light and porous in your hands, it is probably not teak wood.
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See if the wood matches all of the above characteristics. Create a checklist of factors like color, grain, scent, and weight. That way, you can clearly see how many boxes are checked by the piece of wood you're interested in. True teak wood should check all the boxes.
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Community Q&A
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QuestionHow much does a cubic foot weigh?Shrade KnowltonCommunity AnswerIt depends on what kind of wood it is, the dryness and quality of the wood.
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QuestionI bought a house with a beautiful table in it. We think it's teak wood, and we're not sure if it's been stained or not. We would like to put it on our screened porch but want to make sure it's teak.Community AnswerCheck if it is veneered. Look for the end grain on all edges of the table. If no end grain is seen, it is probably veneered, and the veneer glue will be for interior use only. (You don't say whether the porch is open to the weather.) To check if the table is teak, look at the grain and compare it with online pictures. If you are lucky enough to have an old, solid teak table, left outside it would turn to raw silver and need a once-a-year, mild bleach/disinfectant to remove any algae, although the inherent teak oil will partially protect it from the weather. If stained varnish was used, steel wool (wire wool) and sandpaper will remove the stain/varnish to reveal the real timber.
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QuestionHow can one check Burma teak?Community AnswerBurmese teak has been hard to get for many years. There are substitutes, however, available online once in a while.
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References
- ↑ https://www.britannica.com/plant/teak
- ↑ https://facetag.org/7-ways-of-identifying-genuine-teak-furniture/
- ↑ https://northernwoodlands.org/articles/article/what_is_the_difference_between_sapwood_and_heartwood
- ↑ https://northernwoodlands.org/articles/article/what_is_the_difference_between_sapwood_and_heartwood
- ↑ http://www.wood-database.com/teak/
- ↑ http://www.wood-database.com/teak/
- ↑ http://www.wood-database.com/teak/
- ↑ https://facetag.org/7-ways-of-identifying-genuine-teak-furniture/
- ↑ http://www.wood-database.com/teak/
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Article Summary
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To identify teak wood, look for wood with a straight grain that looks like lines or streaks of a darker color. You should also ask the seller if the wood is stained, since staining wood masks its true color. If the wood isn't stained, teak will appear dark golden-brown to yellowish-white in color. In addition to checking its physical characteristics, smell the wood for the leather-like scent of real teak wood, which is caused by the high amount of natural oils. For more advice, like how to identify teak wood by its weight, scroll down!
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Reader Success Stories
- "Thank you. l believe now that l have found a beautiful solid teak bed frame. I realized it was quality by the weight and how I struggled to make it fit in the car. It passes. Knew it was good wood, but you have helped confirm." ..." more
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"Thank you. l believe now that l have found a beautiful solid teak bed frame. I realized it was quality by the weight and how I struggled to make it fit in the car. It passes. Knew it was good wood, but you have helped confirm."
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