Find The Latest Teak Lumber Information That You Are Looking For Below
Why Teak Decking Makes Sense
What kinds of expectations do you have for your new deck once it's complete? Should it be the envy of your neighbors and guests? Should its life be measured in decades rather that years? Should it get its own spread in an outdoor living magazine? If so, maybe you should consider building it with plantation teak.
When planning a deck project, most of us begin by fantasizing about all of the wonderful activities you and your family will enjoy on your new outdoor space. In reality, traditional decking material get rough and weathered after only a few years, and those dreams of kicking you shoes off and lounging on the deck quickly fade -- as your deck turns into splinterpolooza.
These are just a few of the considerations you should consider when planning out your new outdoor space. Sure, you can save money in the short-term by going with cheaper materials -- but will it cost you in the long run? Most importantly, will it decrease your ability to enjoy your outdoor space every single day?
According to OldHouse.com, the average lifespan of a wooden deck is 10-15 years, and that excludes the years where the deck is simply in poor condition. Teak decks can last for decades and look outstanding while doing it. These factors are the keys to teak's true value.
By all measures, teak is one of the most desirable decking materials available today. Teak's been a favorite with shipbuilders and woodworkers for centuries thanks to its innate stability and durability. Among its numerous natural advantages, teak wood actually contains a high level of oily resins that help it repel moisture, acids, fungi, rot and even termites.
These resins, which give teak its unique ability to stand up to the elements, also prevents teak from warping or cracking. These are particularly good qualities to have, in the case of teak, since they help preserve teak's naturally rich aesthetics. With its exquisite wood grain and golden-brown complexion, you can be sure that your deck will be the object of much admiration by both you and your neighbors.
Uniqueness counts, as any designer will tell you. And if you've ever been to a BBQ on a teak deck, you know just what kind of an impression it can make -- it's a totally different type of experience. A teak deck is a place where you can relax, walk barefoot, and even do yoga. The stability of the wood year after year means that you can enjoy your investment for decades, not just a few years.
I know what you're thinking: What about the environmental concerns associated with teak? As you're no doubt aware, teak is endemic to the tropical forest regions of Southeast Asia -- primarily Burma. And between the unchecked deforestation of these forests and Burma's brutal military government, Burmese teak has been labeled "conflict timber," and rightly so. In fact, it's illegal to import Burmese timber directly into the US.
Luckily, modern forestry technology is providing today's consumer with plenty of ethical and eco-friendly options. A number of industrious forestry experts are producing top-quality teak on plantations across the globe. Many of these operations are explicitly eco-friendly, renewable and even FSC-certified.
In turn, this plantation teak is now being milled into beautiful decking materials that can be had for a fraction (often less than half) of the cost of Burmese teak. This teak is not only grown sustainably, but further reduces shipping costs and emissions by offering a more geographically diverse source of lumber. That's to say, it's not only environmentally friendly, but cheaper as well -- two features that rarely if ever go together.
Despite the belief held by some that plantation teak is somehow inferior to Burmese teak, research conducted by the USDA shows no significant difference in density or durability. So you can feel confident knowing that the facts are on the side of ethics and sustainability.
About the Author
To learn more about plantation teak and teak decking, please visit Proteak's website.