Teak is one of the popular hardwood species used in wood working. It has always been in high demand due to its natural rot and water-resistant properties. That’s why all species of teak are expensive.
African teak is durable, stable, and stronger than Indian teak. Indian teak is used for making furniture, cabinets, and plywood, while African teak is perfect for making boat building.
African Teak
African teak is also known as Afrormosia, Afromosia, It is native to West Africa. It is known for its high density and rot-resistant properties.
African teak has great durability, stability, rot-resistant, and termite-resistant properties. The grains are arranged in a straight pattern with a fine, uniform texture and good natural luster.
Indian Teak
Indian Teak is also known as Teak, Burmese teak, genuine teak. It is one of the very popular types of teak wood and is native to India.
Indian teak wood is used to make all types of furniture and durable and stable flooring. Due to its excellent properties, it is always in demand.
| # | African Teak | Indian Teak |
| Scientific name | Pericopsis Elata | Tectona grandis |
| Tree Size | 100-150 ft (30-46 m) tall, 3-5 ft (1-1.5 m) trunk diameter | 100-130 ft (30-40 m) tall, 3-5 ft (1-1.5 m) trunk diameter |
| Wood Average Weight | 45 lbs/ft3 (725 kg/m3) | 41 lbs/ft3 (655 kg/m3) |
| Janka Hardness | 1,570 lbf (6,980 N) | 1,070 lbf (4,740 N) |
| Wood Color | yellowish-brown to pale yellow | golden or medium brown |
| Workability | Easy to work with all types of tools | Overall good. |
| Rot Resistant | Good | Very Rot-resistant |
| Uses | Boatbuilding, veneer, flooring, and furniture. | Ship and boat building, veneer, furniture, exterior construction, carving, turnings, and other small wood objects. |
African Teak vs Indian Teak Uses
African Teak uses
It is suitable wood for use in moisture and outdoor purposes. Due to its high density, it does not absorb moisture.
It is durable and does not rot even when exposed to moisture. That’s why boat makers use African teak to make boats and boat parts.
African Teak is a very rigid hardwood, with a Janka hardness value of 1,570 lbf (6,980 N). It is an excellent wood for durable flooring Because it is less prone to dents and scratches.
Indian Teak Wood Uses
Indian Teak wood is famous for all types of exterior construction, as it contains silica which protects the wood from external elements.
If you are searching for durable wood to make outdoor or indoor quality furniture, then Indian teak can be the best option.
Due to its medium-density and straight grain, it is chosen for carving.
Common uses of African and Indian Teak Wood
As we know that teak is an expensive hardwood, it is not possible to use solid wood all the time in all projects, So almost all species of teak are used to make durable plywood or veneers sheets.
Teak plywood costs less than solid teak wood.
African Teak vs Indian Teak Color
African Teak Wood color
The heartwood of African teak is yellowish-brown with a reddish or olive-colored hue. while the sapwood is pale yellow.
Grain is usually straight with a fine, uniform texture and good natural luster.
Indian Teak Wood Color
The heartwood of Indian teak is golden or medium brown, with color darkening with age while the sapwood is pale yellow.
Generally, the grain is straight but sometimes it can be wavy or interlocked. Indian teak contains natural oils that give the wood an oily or greasy feel.
African Teak vs Indian Teak Workability
Working with African Teak Wood
African teak is easy to work with hand and power tools. Problems may occur due to interlocking and irregular wood grain.
Due to the high density, slight blunting effect on cutting edges, and the make the dark stains (Which are made by the friction between wood and blade). Which can be easily removed by sanding.
African Teak wood glues, stains, and finishes well. It holds the nail and screw well.
Working with Indian Teak Wood
Indian Teak wood can also be easily worked with. But Indian Teak contains a high amount of silica (up to 1.4%), which has a pronounced blunting effect on cutting edges.
Indian teak contains natural oils which protect the wood from external elements. Due to the presence of this natural oil, the wood surface looks oily or shiny.
Indian teak usually glues, finishes well and It is easy to carve. Almost all species of teak give excellent results after finishing.
Is African Teak Waterproof?
African teak is extremely resistant to water and able to withstand bad weather and constant moisture. But it is not 100% waterproof. But teak wood performs better than other hardwoods. You can expect African Teak wood to last 15 to 20 years in minimal moisture.
Conclusion
Both African Teak and Indian Teak are species of teak. Teak woods are known worldwide for their durability and stability.
Furniture made of teak hardwood does not require regular maintenance. It lasts for many decades or even centuries.