Most famous for its use in shipbuilding, flooring and panelling, the elegant shades and texture of this monsoon forest hardwood would go largely unnoticed by many were it not for its additional use in home furnishings and exotic ornaments.

Known in Thailand as Mai Sak, Teak (Tectona Grandis) can be found in northern and western areas of Thailand, growing up to 45 metres in height and over 2 metres in width over its 40-year period of maturation. Although over a quarter of the country’s teak holding rainforest disappeared over the past 40 years, legislative steps were taken after the banning of teak logging in 1989 to replenish stocks. Today, the growth of teak is carefully managed and its availability is once again widespread in the handicrafts business.

The teak tree itself has very large leaves and its trunk is often deeply grooved along its irregular length. The wood varies in colour from the relatively light yellow outer wood (sapwood) to the darker, lustrous inner wood (heartwood), which is usually golden-brown, but can vary between grayish to reddish brown. Mineral streaks can often be seen as dark lines running along the line of the grain, which is mainly straight with some occasional interlocking. Although its texture can be uneven due to the porosity of the rings that are annually added to its girth, it is fairly easy to carve, with an oily feel to it.

The wood resists decay very well as it seasons, although some treatment may be necessary when the sapwood is used. All the products in the Lanna Thai Crafts online store use teak heartwood unless otherwise stated. An elegant wood that will stand the test of time on your mantelpiece or in any room, teak adds a touch of mature style to any carving or item of furniture.