Teak is a traditional exotic wood with a lot of traits that get woodworkers giddy, but if you’re new to woodworking, or you’re not used to using such a high-quality wood, you might be a little worried about how to get started with it.
What projects is teak timber used for? Why is it good for those projects?
Let’s take a look at a few of our favorites.
1: Cutting Boards
This is the easiest teak project you can take on. A cutting board is necessary for any kitchen, and if you’re a home cook who really takes pride in your kitchen, you want one that looks amazing despite being such a simple tool.
Well, teak is perfect for it, and you don’t need much wood to make one that covers all your needs; thus, it’s a cheap project regardless of how expensive teak is.
Teak is extremely durable. So, it’ll hold up well to cuts from cutting vegetables or dents from tenderizing meat. However, it’s also highly resistant to moisture. So, you don’t have to worry about water rotting it out or blood getting into it and making it unsafe to use. As long as you clean it off after use, it’ll be good to go for years to come.
Not to mention, the exotic woodgrain will give your cutting board a look that stands out from anything you’ll find on a store shelf.
2: Decks and Outdoor Railings
If there’s one part of your home you want to splurge on, it’s definitely the railings of your deck and the deck itself. After all, a lot of decks are suspended twenty or more feet off the ground, and if you use something weak, you might just end up going downstairs the hard way.
So, it does make sense to use a sturdy material to get the deck constructed. Teak is extremely strong, and while you’ll still need to ensure you construct the deck properly, likely with the help of experienced and reliable professionals (simply search online for “deck companies near me“), you won’t have to worry about it giving out under the weight of you and your house guests on a quiet Saturday evening.
Teak is also resistant to water damage and rot, making it a great choice for outdoor projects. This also means you can easily clean it with a regular Deck Wash and make it look just as good as new.
3: Window Framing and Door Framing
Window frames and door frames are the weak points of doorways. While you can buy a steel door, the frame around it is still very much wooden, and it is susceptible to being pried. So, you want the hardest, most durable wood possible to ensure that’s not a problem.
Teak is great for framing in this application because of its strength.
Again, the natural water resistance is another major boon since it ensures the frame won’t rot out due to its exposure to the elements.
4: Decorative Pieces
Finally, this is our favorite type of teak project, because it’s entirely up to you. You can let your imagination run wild. Maybe you want a teak end table with a natural trunk slice for a topper, or perhaps you’re a good carver and want a small, decorative bear to work as a centerpiece on your coffee table? Go for it. Teak is incredibly good for carving if you have the tools for carving hardwood, and its unique wood grain adds an exotic touch to any decorative piece.