Can You Still Buy Teak?
The short answer is yes, you can still buy teak. However, the availability and pricing may vary significantly based on factors such as location, sustainability regulations, and overall demand. Teak is highly sought after for its durability and resistance to weather, making it a popular choice for furniture and outdoor applications.
Sourcing Teak Responsibly
When purchasing teak, it's important to consider looking for sustainably sourced options. The harvesting of teak can impact ecosystems, and certifications such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) can help ensure that you are buying responsibly sourced teak. This certification ensures that the wood has been harvested in an environmentally friendly and socially responsible manner.
Teak: A Legal Yet Scarce Resource
Contrary to some beliefs, teak is still legal to export, with one notable exception. This is because the species Tectona grandis, commonly known as teak, is the only form of the wood that can be legally exported. This is one of several reasons why teak seems so ubiquitous today. While the legality is somewhat complicated, the market for teak remains strong.
From Old Growth to Plantation Grown
Old growth teak was heavily harvested for many years, leading to its scarcity. Today, what you may find available is plantation grown teak. This type of teak shares many of the virtues of old-growth teak but is generally less dense. As a former boatbuilder, I have personally worked with both types of teak and can confirm that plantation-grown teak is a suitable alternative.
Pre-Processing and Variability
The availability of teak can also depend on your location. In the United States, for instance, teak availability can vary significantly. When building boats full-time, I used thousands of board feet of teak for decking and square miles of teak veneer for boat interiors. While teak is excellent for deck work, it was more common to use mahogany or solid wood paneling for interiors like clear yellow cedar and black cherry.
Global Perspectives
The demand for teak extends beyond just North America, with Southeast Asia being a significant player. During my time teaching woodworking in Southeast Asia for four years, I saw a tremendous amount of teak grown in countries such as Laos and Thailand. In 2014, when I visited those regions, thousands of acres of new teak trees were being planted along the Mekong River. This trend reflects a growing demand and the industry's efforts to sustainably manage teak resources.
Technical Specifications and Challenges
Teak stands out among other woods due to its unique technical specifications. It's a difficult wood to work with, and it dulls even carbide tools quickly. The dust produced by processing teak can also present challenges. While it is an amazing wood for its durability and resistance to weather, the processing requires careful handling and experienced craftsmanship.
Conclusion
In conclusion, teak is still available, although the market has evolved significantly from the days of old growth teak. Buyers today have the option to choose plantation-grown teak, which maintains many of the virtues of old-growth teak but may be less dense. With certifications like FSC, buyers can ensure they are making responsible choices that support sustainable forestry practices.