Terra Nova Asian Furniture's WOOD YOU KNOW Series: Teak

Teak, like mahogany, is a tropical hardwood tree that is valued in furniture-making. Because the wood is known for its durability and water resistance, it frequently is used for outdoor furniture. It has a good grain and texture and is easily worked, so it also gets used for fine indoor furniture. Native to south and southeast Asia, many solid wood Asian furniture pieces are made with teak.

Teak wood has a high oil content, which is one of the reasons it gets used where weather resistance is a factor. Additionally, the wood’s tight grain and high tensile strength contribute to its durability in exposure to the elements. When the wood is exposed to direct sunlight, its natural yellowish-brown finish matures to a silver-gray. But even with the change in coloration, the wood retains its durable qualities. In fact, it is highly resistant to termite attacks. These are all reasons why mature teak wood may cost more than other woods.

Mature trees provide the best teak wood for furniture, but it can take as much as 80 years for a tree to mature. Because if this, the plantations in many nations are carefully monitored. In Indonesia, the government itself has a corporation that oversees the management of this natural resource. This management contributes to Indonesia’s status as one of the world’s leading exporters of teak, along with Myanmar.  Myanmar exports a third of the world’s teak, continuing the traditions that made the wood known as “Burmese Teak” for many generations. The world’s oldest teak plantation is in Nilambur, in Kerala, India, and that wood is of very fine quality.

Solid Teak Cabinet with Antique Panel Door

The durability of teak shows not just in modern patio furniture.  In Western India, teak objects more than 2,000 years old have been found in caves, and the objects are still if rather good condition. Considering the fact that these objects have been untreated and uncared for, these findings speak well of the overall nature of the wood. Teak is worth the high price it commands, and even furniture made from reclaimed teak wood is likely to display all the desirable qualities it is known for.

When you find a piece of furniture made of teak, you can be sure that it will be durable and stable for a very long time. Well-kept and maintained teak furniture can be a beautiful addition to your home for many years.  At Terra Nova Designs, you will find contemporary and antique solid teak furniture, like this teak cabinet with antique panel door.  We also carry a large selection of high quality, one of a kind reclaimed wood furniture.  Check out our local Yelp page at http://www.yelp.com/biz/terra-nova-designs-los-angeles-2 or even better, stop by and visit us - you’ll see why we’re known as the best furniture store in Los Angeles!

Terra Nova Asian Furniture's WOOD YOU KNOW Series: Mahogany

Mahogany is a sort of magic word when it comes to furniture. Many people know it is a desirable wood, but they don’t know much about it. They simply want to be able to say of a beautiful piece of furniture, “Yes, it’s made of mahogany.”

True mahogany comes from a tree species that is indigenous to the Americas, particularly from Central and South America, as well as the West Indies (native to southern Florida and the Caribbean). The straight-grained, reddish-brown wood is valued for its durability, color, and beauty. It is so prized, in fact, that it has been over-harvested and the three “true mahogany” species have been placed on the Endangered Species lists. These conditions make its availability for new furniture expensive, as supplies are limited and monitored.

The wood itself has few pockets and voids in it, giving it great durability. Because the trees achieve a great girth, it was possible to get wide boards from the true mahogany species. That made the wood very appealing to cabinet makers. The wood also resists rot, which makes it appealing for use in boats and outdoor furniture.

Curved, Hand-Rubbed, Black Mahogany Desk

Because of the rarity and expense of the true mahoganies, woodworkers have turned to other woods that have some, though not all, of the same qualities as mahogany. They are often qualified with descriptive terms, which helps indicate their nature. There are two well known types that are called “African mahogany”: Khaya and Sapele.  Khaya is a beautiful wood in its own right. It is usually sawn in such a way that it shows a distinctive ribbony look, leading it to sometimes being called “Ribbon-Striped African Mahogany.” The grain of Sapele also has a ribbony appearance to it, and a finer texture than true mahogany, but it a good substitute. It is however, more prone to tear-out than the true mahoganies.

Those in the market for Asian mahogany furniture look for pieces made of what is called “Philippine mahogany.” This wood is actually called Lauan, and it is inexpensive and plentiful. It comes in a variety of colors, and the redder ones are heavier and more resistant to rot than the lighter colored ones.  The thing to be wary about this type is that it is a softer and lighter weight wood than the true mahoganies. It can be easily dented with a fingernail, and it tends to splinter, thanks to its coarser texture.

There can be great satisfaction in having a piece of mahogany furniture, particularly if it is indeed a “true mahogany” wood. Knowing where the piece came from can be a help in verifying  the nature of the wood. The durability of the true mahoganies certainly allows for such a piece to be passed down and enjoyed over many generations.

If you are in the market for a beautiful piece of vintage, contemporary, or custom mahogany furniture, visit Terra Nova Los Angeles Furniture at http://www.terranovadesigns.com.