What are the characteristics of Burma teak wood?
Aug 02,2023 | Defulin Teak
Teak is widely used in various renovations and industries due to its strong properties. Let DEFLIN introduce you the characteristics of Myanmar natural teak and the corresponding uses today!
1.Resistance to rot:
For centuries, Burma teak wood decking, which has been favored by seafarers, has been little known. The reason why teak is considered a good material for decking is that teak is one of the few woods that can withstand the corrosive effects of sea water and sun exposure without cracking, breaking or bending. The familiar deck of the Titanic was made of teak, and when it was salvaged more than a century later, its deck was still intact and had not been corroded by the sea.
The interiors of the Titanic were made from the finest teak, which has been used as a strategic resource since its discovery by the Europeans. Burmese teak benefits from a long period of growth in virgin forests, where 50 years of woods provide it with a large amount of nutrients, and because of the varied environment, teak secretes more silica than conventional wood. It is because of this characteristic of teak, so it is used as a superb material for shipbuilding, with the Titanic is really the icing on the cake.

2. Anti-slip:
Due to growing in the environment of high sand content, teak contains a large amount of silica, and this component can provide anti-slip for people walking on the wet teak deck. Compared to teak, people are more likely to slip and fall when stepping on a wet oak or pine board. Due to the high cost of making decks from Burmese natural teak, many yacht builders looking for a cost-effective alternative have tried to replace it with other woods such as oak, ash, maple, cherry, etc., but the result is not as good as Burmese natural teak. To this day, Burmese natural teak is still the mainstream material for decking, not only is it non-slip and reliable, but its beautiful golden luster and clear grain also give it a unique aesthetic appeal.
Also containing silica, teak's anti-slip properties should not be underestimated. For example, in the summer, friends who have seen the lotus leaves should find that the water on the lotus leaves will basically be in the form of water droplets and will not be absorbed by the lotus leaves. The double-layered structure of lotus leaves makes them hydrophobic. Teak is also hydrophobic, but unlike the lotus leaf, it is not because of its double-layered structure, but because it contains enough silica. The difference in density between oil and water makes it very difficult for water to penetrate teak, which makes it possible for the deck to remain dry even after the water has dried out.
But not all teak has this effect. Artificially grown teak has a shorter growing time and is more stable than natural teak, so it is not as oily as natural teak, and is more prone to oxidation and lighter in color. So sometimes, "greasy" must also be quite good.
3. Durability:
On land, teak wood is used for a variety of purposes, including wooden doors, window frames, furniture and indoor and outdoor wooden flooring. Teak flooring and doors, in particular, are not only durable and long-lasting, but also enhance the beauty of a room. In addition, the chemical industry has many applications for teak because of its durability and resistance to all types of caustic chemicals.
In most cases, teak will last much longer than other woods. Teak is also well suited for furniture, and has a distinctive mellow aroma of its own, but one that only those who have been in contact with teak for a long time can understand. Mellow aroma from the rich minerals in teak, ants will not take the initiative to approach the minerals and teak oil, so teak also has the characteristics of anti-moth-eaten, growth of teak products life.
4. Stability:
Teak is a very stable wood, in all climatic conditions are not bad durability. Severe winter storms, monsoon rains and tropical heat will not weaken the strength of teak. Therefore, teak flooring can be installed in both humid and dry climates. Teak is widely used in the oil fields of the Middle East. Teak can withstand the harsh environments of dry, hot deserts without generating electrical sparks, greatly reducing the likelihood of serious explosions.

Teak has an air-dry density of 0.57-0.69g/cm³, and in the humid climate of the south the moisture content is generally maintained at 13%. However, this moisture content can be adjusted. The wood itself will "breathe", according to the surrounding environment on the internal adjustment, as if we go to Tibet will have plateau reaction, our body needs to adapt to the environment, the body in order to ensure their normal work in the environment.
Summarize:
Teak has a wide range of applications because of its resistance to rot, slip resistance, durability and durability. While there is still a big gap between planted teak and Myanmar natural teak, Myanmar natural teak is undoubtedly a better choice if you want to make teak flooring, especially for boat decks.
