Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Checking physical characteristics
• Method 2 of 2: Smell and weigh the wood

Teak is a tropical hardwood tree. The wood is highly water resistant, durable and resistant to pests, diseases and rot. It is therefore very popular for the construction of things like furniture and boats, which are exposed to the elements. Because of these good qualities, teak is also very expensive. By carefully studying the color, grain, smell and weight, you can ensure that the teak you buy is real and authentic.

To step

Method 1 of 2: Checking physical characteristics

1. Look for dark golden brown to yellow-white wood. The color of teak differs, depending on the tree species and from which part of the tree the wood comes. Colors vary from dark golden brown to yellow-white. When researching the color, it is important that you know what kind of teak you are looking for.
   • The outer layer of the tree is called sapwood and has a yellow-white color. This wood has a higher moisture content and is therefore less strong than heartwood.
   • Wood from the center of the tree is called heartwood and can be golden brown to dark brown in color. This wood is hard, stronger, more expensive and generally more attractive than sapwood.
2. Ask if the wood is stained. Some teak dealers and shops stain the wood, hiding the actual color. Make sure to ask if the wood you are interested in has been stained. If so, you need to identify the wood in a different way.
   • As teak will darken over time, you should also ask how old the wood is to ensure you get the wood you want.
3. Look for a straight grain. The grain of real teak is usually straight. You see straight strips or lines in a darker color than the rest of the wood. If the wood grain doesn't look straight or predominantly straight, it is good to ask some questions.
   • Depending on how the wood is sawn, the grain can also be slightly wavy.

Method 2 of 2: Smell and weigh the wood

1. Identify teak by its leathery scent. Smell is a good indicator of real teak. Teak wood contains many natural oils, which makes it more resistant to disease. Pick up the wood and smell it. You should be able to smell the natural oils; they smell like leather.
2. Lift the wood to check the weight. Weight is another way of identifying teak. If it is real teak, the wood will be very dense and quite heavy. Lift the wood and test it. It should be heavier than chipboard.
   • If it feels light and porous in your hands, it probably isn't teak.
3. Check whether the wood has all of the above characteristics. Make a checklist for the factors of color, grain, scent and weight. That way you can clearly see how many of the properties the piece of wood you are interested in has. Real teak should have all of these properties.