Why Is Teak Wood Expensive?

Teak wood is a precious meterial. It has a high density, durability, and strength. The price of Teak wood depends on its quality, size, and availability.

Teak wood is a highly sought-after material in the construction industry.

Its popularity stems from its unique properties, such as resistance to decay, rot, insects, and its ability to withstand extreme weather conditions. 

But it isn’t cheap. And many of us find ourselves wondering why it costs so much. Whether you are standing in a DIY store or looking to purchase some online, the cost can shock you, and you find yourself searching for answers. 

If this sounds like you, then keep reading. We have put together this helpful guide to tell you everything you need to know about teak wood. 

What Is Teak Wood?

Teak wood is a tropical evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia. It grows rapidly and reaches heights of 40 meters (130 feet). It is also known as the king of timbers because of its great strength and durability.

It can be used for building boats, furniture, flooring, and even airplane parts.

Teak wood comes from trees that are between 50-100 years old. They grow slowly and produce large amounts of seeds, making them easy to harvest. 

Teak wood is highly durable and resistant to many types of damage. It does not absorb moisture well and therefore requires little maintenance. This means that it can last for decades without any problems.

Humans have used teak wood since ancient times. For example, it was used to make weapons and tools during the Bronze Age.

It was only later that people started using it for other purposes like making furniture or buildings. Today, it is still widely used for these things. 

Types Of Teak Wood

There are three main types of teak wood. They include:

Mahogany 

A light brown color and dense texture.

Rosewood

This wood is a light brown color and soft texture.

Yellowheart

Yellowheart has a dark yellow color and hard texture.

How To Identify Teak Wood

The best way to identify teak wood is by looking at the grain pattern. Look for straight lines with small indentations. These features will help you distinguish between different types of wood.

Why Is Teak So Expensive?

The reason that teak wood is so expensive is due to its scarcity. There are only two places where teak trees grow naturally: India and Indonesia. This means that there is not enough supply to meet demand. As a result, prices tend to rise whenever there is an increase in demand.

Teak Wood Properties

The main property of teak wood is its amazing strength. It has an average tensile strength of up to 300 MPa. This means that it has enough strength to support heavy loads.

The second important property of teak wood relates to its resistance to decay. It resists rotting and mildew better than most other woods. This is due to the presence of tannins in its bark. Tannins help protect the wood against fungi and bacteria.

The third important property of teak is its ability to resist insect attacks. Insects cannot eat it because it contains chemicals called terpenes. These chemicals repel insects and prevent them from attacking the wood.

How Much Does Teak Wood Cost?

The price of teak wood varies depending on several factors. Some of these factors include:

Availability

If there is a shortage of teak wood then prices will rise. However, if there is plenty of supply, then prices will fall.

Quality

High-quality teak wood is much more expensive than low-quality teak wood.

Size

Large pieces of teak wood are usually more expensive than small ones.

Location

Prices vary depending on where your teak wood is coming from.

Species

Different species of teak wood have different qualities. For example, some species are stronger while others are softer.

Quantity

The quantity of teak wood available affects the price. A smaller amount of teak wood will cost less than a larger one.

Demand 

When demand increases, prices will go up.

Seasonality

Prices fluctuate based on seasonality. During the rainy season, prices tend to increase. However, when the weather gets dry, prices decrease.

Storage 

Teak wood is very stable and does not require special storage conditions. Therefore, you do not need to store it in specific places.

Transport

Transportation costs affect the price of teak wood. Shipping costs are higher when the distance is longer.

Importation

Importing teak wood from overseas may be cheaper than importing it from within the country.

Certification

Certified teak wood is more expensive than non-certified teak wood.

What Is Teakwood Used For?

Teak wood is commonly used as a flooring material. It is also used to make cabinets, tables, chairs, doors, windows, fences, decks, and boats. It is so popular that it is even used to build skyscrapers!

Teakwood Flooring

Teakwood is highly resistant to scratches and stains. This makes it ideal for floors. Because of this, it can withstand high traffic areas without getting damaged.

This is why many companies use it to manufacture their office furniture. They know that they can rely on teakwood to last long.

Teakwood Cabinets

Teakwood is also suitable for making cabinets. Since it is strong and durable, it lasts for decades without breaking down.

It is also easy to maintain. You just wipe off dirt with a damp cloth. You can also clean it using soap and water.

Teakwood Doors

Teakwood is also great for making doors. It has been used to make doors since ancient times.

The Romans used it to build their temples. It is still being used today.

Teakwood Windows

Teakwood is an excellent choice for making windows. It is strong and durable.

You can easily repair broken or cracked windows using teakwood. You can also replace them with new ones.

Teakwood Fences

Teakwood is perfect for building fences. It is sturdy and durable.

Because of this, it is widely used to build fences around gardens.

Summary 

There are many reasons why teak wood is so expensive, but its unique properties make it worth the money.