What is it?
A tropical hardwood whose natural oils make it hold up outdoors and against saltwater better than any widely traded alternative.
Why does it matter?
Teak is the benchmark marine and exterior hardwood, and it is also the species where legality and provenance dominate the trade: natural-forest Burmese teak is subject to sanctions and import restrictions, which has pushed buyers towards plantation-grown stock of different quality.
Where it grows
Native to south and southeast Asia, now grown in plantations across the tropics including west Africa and Latin America.What it is used for
Boat decks and marine joinery, outdoor furniture, high-end interior joinery, veneer.What to watch
Plantation teak grown on short rotations has far more sapwood and less of the oil-rich heartwood than old natural-forest stock, so 'teak' spans a very wide range of actual durability. Buyers must check origin and age, not just species.What it is used for
All end markets →| End market | What it does there | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Furniture & Joinery | Marine joinery and outdoor furniture | Important |