Tips on Buying Teak With Quick Guide to Types of Hardwood for Furnishing


by Lester Fong - Date: 2007-03-28 - Word Count: 360 Share This!

Teak, previously favored by the older generation is finding new fans among younger home owners. It's also a hardwood. Following my last article on quick introduction and guide to contemporary teak furniture, this article offers tips on buying teak with quick guide to types of hardwood for furnishing.

Natural teak is light brown, but some manufacturers also stain it dark brown for variety. Industry sources say those who know their teak tend to go for the natural color, so the beauty of the grain shows up better.

The grain is also another guide to buying quality teak; go for teak grain that is clear and consistent. A good teak grain is usually oval-shaped.

Between teak alternatives (e.g. teak ply) and solid teak, the latter is the better choice. Teak ply, which is teak veneer pasted over plywood, have no oval-shaped grains, but just straight lines. Some manufacturers use particle board for the base of the drawers. Knock on the wood to be sure. Solid teak should have full sound, whereas particle board sounds hollow.

Besides teak, here are some other popular hardwoods used in furniture production:

• Walnut - Found throughout Eastern United States, its wood comes in a light brown to a dark chocolate brown. Generally straight grained, but sometimes has a wavy grain. It is a North American hardwood.

• Hard Maple - Widespread throughout the US; its wood varies from light to dark reddish brown. This North American hardwood has a close fine texture and is generally straight grained.

• White Oak - Widespread throughout the US; it can grow up to 38 m in height. Its wood is light to dark brown. Its distinctive straight grain makes it easily identifiable and is a North American hardwood.

• Nyatoh - This tropical hardwood is commonly used for furniture and is found in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. It can grow up to 30 m or taller. The color range from plate pin k to reddish brown and it has a straight grain.

• Ramin - Found in Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines, its wood is creamy white, with a straight grain.

• Merati Bakau - Found in Indonesia and Malaysia, its wood is light pink to light reddish brown with interlocking grains. Besides furniture, it's also used to make boats.


Related Tags: tips, advice, wood furniture

Lester Fong

http://www.unique-home-decor-ideas.com

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