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What is the difference between Indian teak, Myanmar teak, and plantation teak?

Indian Government Teak (Tectona grandis): harvested from natural forests in Central and South India, typically 50–100 years old; dense grain, deep colour, high oil content; considered premium quality; limited and seasonal supply from government auctions. Myanmar Teak: globally recognised as the finest teak, from natural forests in Myanmar; very consistent quality, dense grain, exceptional oil content; requires CITES documentation; increasingly scarce and expensive. Plantation Teak: grown in managed plantations worldwide (India, Costa Rica, Ghana, Ecuador) at 15–35 year rotation; lower oil content, wider grain spacing, more sapwood than natural growth teak; 30–50% lower price than natural growth; adequate for most construction and furniture applications.

What is the difference between Indian teak, Myanmar teak, and plantation teak?

Indian Government Teak (Tectona grandis): harvested from natural forests in Central and South India, typically 50–100 years old; dense grain, deep colour, high oil content; considered premium quality; limited and seasonal supply from government auctions. Myanmar Teak: globally recognised as the finest teak, from natural forests in Myanmar; very consistent quality, dense grain, exceptional oil content; requires CITES documentation; increasingly scarce and expensive. Plantation Teak: grown in managed plantations worldwide (India, Costa Rica, Ghana, Ecuador) at 15–35 year rotation; lower oil content, wider grain spacing, more sapwood than natural growth teak; 30–50% lower price than natural growth; adequate for most construction and furniture applications.

How do I identify genuine teak from substitutes?

Genuine Tectona grandis identification characteristics: (1) Golden-brown heartwood with prominent grain lines and occasional interlocked grain – darkens to chocolate brown with age; (2) Oily or waxy feel to the surface – oil is visible on freshly sawn surfaces; (3) Distinctive woody-spicy scent when freshly cut – not sweet like Gamari or resinous like pine; (4) White silica deposits visible in grain lines (cause rapid saw blade dulling); (5) Clear heartwood-sapwood boundary – cream/white sapwood contrasts sharply with golden heartwood; (6) Density 550–700 kg/m³ (heavier than most substitutes like Gamari at 400–500 kg/m³). When in doubt, use a qualified timber identification service.

What moisture content should teak wood have for furniture making?

For furniture manufacturing: 8–12% MC (kiln-dried) is the standard specification. At this moisture content, teak is dimensionally stable in typical Indian indoor environments (40–60% RH). Wood above 15% MC continues drying after fabrication, causing joint opening, warping, and checking. Wood below 6% MC may absorb moisture in humid environments, causing swelling. For outdoor furniture and decking: 15–18% MC is preferable – allows the wood to achieve moisture equilibrium with outdoor conditions without excessive movement after installation. Always specify and verify MC before purchase.

What are the legal requirements for buying teak in India?

For Indian forest teak: the supplier must provide Forest Department Form 16A transit permit for every vehicle/lot movement. The permit specifies: species (Tectona grandis), volume, origin forest depot, destination, and permit validity period. Buyers should retain copies of transit permits for their records – receiving timber without valid permits makes the buyer liable for possession of illegally transported forest produce. For imported teak (Myanmar, African): CITES Appendix II permits are required – the importer must hold DGFT import licence and CITES permits. Always verify documentation before accepting delivery and payment.