| Teak, previously favored by the older generation | | | | hardwoods used in furniture production:o Walnut - |
| is finding new fans among younger home owners. | | | | Found throughout Eastern United States, its wood |
| It's also a hardwood. Following my last article on | | | | comes in a light brown to a dark chocolate brown. |
| quick introduction and guide to contemporary teak | | | | Generally straight grained, but sometimes has a |
| furniture, this article offers tips on buying teak | | | | wavy grain. It is a North American hardwood.o |
| with quick guide to types of hardwood for | | | | Hard Maple - Widespread throughout the US; its |
| furnishing. | | | | wood varies from light to dark reddish brown. |
| Natural teak is light brown, but some | | | | This North American hardwood has a close fine |
| manufacturers also stain it dark brown for | | | | texture and is generally straight grained.o White |
| variety. Industry sources say those who know | | | | Oak - Widespread throughout the US; it can grow |
| their teak tend to go for the natural color, so the | | | | up to 38 m in height. Its wood is light to dark |
| beauty of the grain shows up better. | | | | brown. Its distinctive straight grain makes it easily |
| The grain is also another guide to buying quality | | | | identifiable and is a North American hardwood.o |
| teak; go for teak grain that is clear and | | | | Nyatoh - This tropical hardwood is commonly |
| consistent. A good teak grain is usually | | | | used for furniture and is found in Indonesia, |
| oval-shaped. | | | | Malaysia and Thailand. It can grow up to 30 m or |
| Between teak alternatives (e.g. teak ply) and solid | | | | taller. The color range from plate pin k to reddish |
| teak, the latter is the better choice. Teak ply, | | | | brown and it has a straight grain.o Ramin - Found |
| which is teak veneer pasted over plywood, have | | | | in Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines, its wood |
| no oval-shaped grains, but just straight lines. | | | | is creamy white, with a straight grain.o Merati |
| Some manufacturers use particle board for the | | | | Bakau - Found in Indonesia and Malaysia, its wood |
| base of the drawers. Knock on the wood to be | | | | is light pink to light reddish brown with interlocking |
| sure. Solid teak should have full sound, whereas | | | | grains. Besides furniture, it's also used to make |
| particle board sounds hollow. | | | | boats. |
| Besides teak, here are some other popular | | | | |