The Taproot Volume 17: Looking for a Bird of Another Feather


Teak(Tectona grandis)) is considered to be one of the world’s most valuable and versatile hardwoods in the marine industry. Valued for its rich lustre and grain, and its unique properties in strength, stability and resistance, teak has been a pillar of the shipbuilding and furniture industries. The decks of the Titanic were covered with teak, and the wood is as good today as that fateful night when she sank on April 15, 1912. Contrary to popular belief teak is not a tropical rainforest species. Teak is a precious resource. Only four countries in the world: Burma, Thailand, Laos and India have natural teak forests. Teak seeds from Burma have been used to start plantations in Africa and Central & South America; however, teak from these and other regions simply cannot match true Burmese teak. Varying climatic conditions, topography, soil type, drainage, elevation, rainfall length of dry season, result in vast differences in quality, hardness, texture and colour; resulting in an inferior product. We do not consider plantation teak suitable for marine use. Teak has a high silica content, and it is this mineral that gives traction when walking on a wet deck. Teak does not need paint varnish or oils for protection against the elements, and will develop a lovely silver gray patina over time. The natural resins repel termites, marine borers and resist rot. While stories abound of rampant deforestation and illegal log trade, Myanmar (formerly Burma) has had a formal forest management plan in place since 1856. Even today, this stringent teak management plan is still in effect; it is Myanmar’s human rights violations that are making an impact on international trade. With an uncertain future ahead, it is timely to consider alternatives. There are many species of wood throughout the world; however, what is significant are those species that are readily available in our local market. Remember that no one species will ever replace the king of woods – teak – and there will always be compromise but consider these options.

	Iroko (Chlorophora excelsa), called African teak, shares some characteristics to teak. It is a firm, strong wood with a brownish colour and coarse, open grain. It also shares similar machining capabilities due to the similarities in hardness and density, but it does not have the oiliness of teak and is not resistant to decay and termite attack.

	Afromosia (Pericopsis elata),also called African teak. This species has a pleasing decorative appearance and has long been used as a substitute for teak in Scandinavian-style furniture. It looks a lot like teak but does not have as much figure. It is commonly used in outdoor applications and is resistant to the elements, but will rot and needs constant care outdoors. Avoid contact with ferrous metals in wet situations to avoid corrosion. The tannins in the wood can cause blue stains.

	Ipé (Tabebuia serratifolia); “e-pay is also known as ironwood, Brazilian walnut and pau lope comes from Central and South America, and the Caribbean. It is typically reddish brown, sometimes with a greenish tinge, often with lighter and/or darker striping; it can look like teak. Sometimes a yellow surface dust, called lapachol, is visible. It is a natural product that is found in quinine, and under research as a cancer preventative. This species is difficult to work and has a severe blunting effect on cutting edges. It has a very high resistance to all insect and fungal attacks, and has a Class “A” fire rating in the US. Concrete and steel are rated the same.

	Jatoba (Hymenaea courbaril),is sometimes referred to as Brazilian or South American cherry. It is a tan/salmon colour with black accent stripes that over time turns a deep rich red colour. It is a moderately difficult wood to work because of its high density, and is very resistant to termites. There is some suggestion that it is suitable for steam bending, however, be wary of the lumber piles as the wood usually arrives as mixed grain.

	Purpleheart (Peltogyne pubescens), also known as violetwood, pau roxo and amaranth is deep purple-violet when freshly cut, maturing to a dark brown. It is rather difficult to work with moderate to severe blunting effect on tools; use a sharp carbide blade. It serves well in a marine environment with a high resistance to water.

	Cumaru (Dipteryx odorata), sometimes known as Brazilian teak, is exceptionally hard and durable. It is a yellowish-brown to light brown colour with a tight, even grain. Unlike most exotics, cumaru undergoes very little colour change in sun light. The wood has excellent weathering possibilities, rated 25 years against decay and insect damage with applications having longevity of over 50 years.

Some of these woods may have associated health risks causing respiratory illnesses or dermatitis and skin rashes. But don’t panic. Simple precautions can reduce health risks, and minimize your exposure. Refer to our Newsletter – Volume 3 for details. The truth of the matter is that for some projects, there simply are no acceptable substitutes but explore the challenge of using ‘new’ woods. This gets to the heart of what working wood is all about.