What is Ghana teak best used for?

quist 15:00 - 20 February 2018

A good wood furnish can make a whole lot of difference in a room. Most importantly the appropriate lumber must be used to fit the kind of furniture and conditions. This is why most carpenters would go for teak wood for their work. Why? Because teak is on eof the most versatile and gorgeous wood for furniture.

ITEM REVIEWED

Ghana teak

REVIEW TYPE

Wood work

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With large papery leaves (sporting hairy surfaces) and small pale blue, almost white flowers. Fruit (which is a drupe) are found in clusters and are pale green in color. This hardwood tree flourishes best in tropical climates and as such grows mostly in South Asia and Africa. It takes about 50 years to mature into hardy wood for lumber and has a life span of 100 years.

Even though teak is known widely for its lumber, it also has medicinal properties. An effective pain reliever especially in cases of swelling. Due to its diuretic and astringent properties. Another surprise up its sleeve, is its use an ornamental tree. Specifically as avenue trees used to line our streets.

Unlike any other kinds of wood used in wood work, teak is very durable and does not splinter. It is also low maintenance which makes it the perfect choice when building in moist or wet places. It is also resistant to shipworms and wood rot. These properties makes it ideal for bridges, decks of yachts and boats. Teak is also used for exterior uses such as windows, doors and garden furniture.

Also a great finish for interior work to give it a good classy wood finish. It is not advisable to use teak wood if you are going to apply paint afterwards. First of all, there are cheaper alternatives you can consider. And also teak has exquisite grain work which deserves to be seen. Teak beams are also excellent for ceiling and are known to have lasted in temples and palaces for over 1,000 years.

Apart from these properties and uses, it is used as lumber on a commercial scale. This has created a huge economic market for the sale of lumber in Ghana and need urgent attention. Measures have to be put in place to make sure that this does not cause environmental problems such as deforestation and illegal lumbering. Other lumber companies have taken the initiative to grow teak plantations to meet their ever growing clientele. Its special characteristics which differs it from other woods coupled with increasing scarcity has made it quite an expensive alternative for wood work.

The demand for teak wood furniture has also paved way for some greedy merchants to pry on the innocence of unsuspecting buyers. But how can you know if the furniture you are buying is teak wood? You can differentiate teak wood using the color, weight, grain and fragrance. Ghana teak contains natural oils which smells like leather. This natural oil is a lubricant which makes the wood durable and keeps pest especially termites at bay. Most people prefer to use teak for their furniture because of its rich dark brown or lighter shades of golden brown. Or the yellowish white tint from the sapwood. Sometimes it is tinted with wood color to give it a darker color.

When it comes to lumber, the grain of the wood is very important. Teak wood usually displays straight grain pattern. Which makes it easier to saw in different ways whilst maintaining is classy look. It is also moderate. The surest way to get real teak wood is to buy from a trusted source or dealer.

RATING

Ghana teak is best for fine furniture, paneling, decks of expensive boats, bridges, floors, windows, doors and beams. The best choice for all your wood work. 9/10.

CREATED BY

Ghana teak tree (genus Tectona grandis)