Besides its durability and water-resistant nature, Teak has long been prized for its beautiful golden brown color. If you’re very familiar with Teak, however, you know that it doesn’t start out with that signature color. Teak lumber can actually go through many significant color changes from the time it is originally harvested on its way to becoming a finished product. In these two articles, we’ll take a look at some of the reasons why Teak has this tendency to change color. Knowing what to expect when you purchase Teak as a consumer will help you to make informed decisions about where you will plan to use Teak. If you’re a lumber dealer, this information can help you to equip your customers with the knowledge they need to choose the right applications for this prized wood species.
Why Does Teak Change Color?
The simple answer to this question is that Teak changes color because it is an organic material. All organic materials, such as wood, are subject to change and movement over time and when exposed to different environments. Freshly planed lumber of any species tends to look different from oxidized lumber. Most wood species take on a more mellow look as they age. They’ll also either darken or fade with exposure to sunlight. The changes that take place in wood for many species are gradual.
Stages of Teak Color Development
Teak, on the other hand, has a tendency to experience quick, dramatic change when compared to many other species of wood. Freshly milled Teak tends to have a dark color and can display all sorts of streaks. This can alarm customers who aren’t used to seeing the wood at this stage of its development. Thankfully, after some exposure to sunlight and other elements, it will mature into a desirable golden brown color.
Some other species, such as Afromosia and Iroko, have the same tendency for dramatic lightening. This tendency runs contrary to expectations for most other species, which tend to darken with exposure to the sun. Not so with these species and with Teak. They tend to get lighter and more consistent over time rather than darker. Since customers rely on Teak for applications that require uniform colors, such as exterior trim or boat decks, it’s imperative to find high-quality Teak. Anything less will be a disappointment to customers because of Teak’s classic reputation as a luxury wood product.
In the next article in this series, we will talk about the specific time frame you can expect your Teak to follow when it comes to seeing these types of dramatic color changes. Knowing this information and explaining it to customers in advance can save lumber dealers and contractors a lot of headaches when it comes to dealing with customers. You want to make sure they have realistic expectations. Since these color changes are part of a natural process, customers will have to be willing to wait for a while in order to see the traditional golden color they desire for their decking, exterior trim, or other Teak applications.