Teak takes at least 50 years to mature. The older the tree, the higher the oil content, the more pronounced the mineral lines, the stronger the aroma, and the better the wood's stability and toughness. It is less prone to warping, and its resistance to insects, termites, acids, and alkalis is significantly enhanced, making it extremely resistant to corrosion.
Teak around 50 years old is golden yellow or brown in color, with visible mineral lines, a dense texture, high oil content, and a strong aroma. Older teak, generally over 100 years old, has even higher oil content, aroma, and texture. Its color is darker, mostly dark brown or yellowish-brown. Due to its long growth cycle, it has a denser texture and a specific gravity approximately 1.3 times higher than normal. The heaviest material is taken from the root section of the tree, as it has absorbed the most nutrients during its longest growth period. However, teak flooring made from the root section of 100-year-old teak trees is extremely rare.
Material Selection: Teak flooring is sourced from natural, virgin forests in Myanmar. Older trees are generally preferred, with wood from the roots and trunk being superior to wood from branches. Heartwood is better than sapwood, bark, or other impurities. The heartwood is a deep yellowish-brown with some brown streaks on the surface; it has a glossy finish and a slightly oily feel. The sapwood has a poorer fiber structure, is more prone to decay and warping, and has lower tensile strength and toughness.