An Introduction to the World of Teak
>> Tuesday, January 25, 2011
The word "teak" is believed to have originated from the Malayalam (an Indian language) word "tekku" and is scientifically known as Tectona Grandis. Teakwood is characterized by its mellowed golden color, durability and fine grains. Teak is commonly found in monsoon forests and is a natural component of tropical and sub-tropical forests of South and South East Asian countries like Thailand, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar and India. Teakwood is also extensively grown in government and private owned teak plantation in all over India, Indonesia, Thailand and other South East Asian countries. High demand of teakwood has resulted in efforts to naturalize it other areas like pacific island countries, tropical Africa and in northern Australia.Download Exam Drill of Indonesia Language for Vocational School
Etymology and Botany apart, teak is considered to the crowning jewel in the diadem of trees. Teak furniture is characterized by extreme resistance to rotting and fungus attack and is unamenable to various elements of weather like rain, snow, moisture and sun. Teakwood is also characterized by a natural and strong resistance to termite attacks. These properties of teak make it the number one choice for any kind of furniture, especially furniture that will be exposed to rough natural elements or abusive human usage. The longevity and ability to withstand natural elements of attrition has also made Teak the automatic choice for flooring.
Teak belongs to the hardwood genus of trees and is characterized by very densely packed grains and high volume of natural oils. Presence of rich natural oils makes Teak stand apart from a plethora of other woods. These natural oils act as a natural preservative against the effects of weather elements. Presence of natural oil also results in a rich, natural texture of the Teakwood thereby obviating the need for external, artificial polish. Teak furniture is characterized by a rich and natural polish, excellent craftsmanship and ability to withstand harsh elements of weather. Furniture made out of aged Teak does not peel, rot, splinter, warp or disintegrate even after prolonged exposure to elements of nature. Teak furniture also exhibits a very strong resistance to termites and fungus attacks. Longevity comes naturally to Teak furniture and requires minimal or no maintenance. Even after prolonged exposure to rough weather, Teak furniture does not develop any structural defects.
Indonesia and Myanmar are two of the world's largest exporters of high grade Teak. Illegal poaching is endemic in South East Asian countries. Countries like Laos, Indonesia, Myanmar and India have witnessed extensive deforestation over the last few decades on the face of increased demand of Teak and Teak furniture. Vast stretches of natural forests have been wiped out to meet international demand of Teak furniture. The alarming rate of deforestation has prompted the local government to set up strict anti poaching rules in these countries. In Indonesia, the government has launched a policy of planned re-forestation and Teak plantations to meet the international demand for Teak as well as to counter deforestation. Teak plantation derives it origin to Dutch colonists who first planted Teak seedlings and pioneered Teak plantation way back in the 19th century in Indonesia. Perum Perhutani follows a strict policy of felling limited number of Teak trees per year and replenishing the same by planting equal number of Teak saplings.
