Door and window knowledge guide: how to identify true and false teak

Teak, scientifically known as *Tectona grandis*, is a hardwood species native to Southeast Asia, including Myanmar, India, Thailand, and parts of Indochina and Java. It has been widely introduced and cultivated in tropical regions around the world, such as China’s Guangdong, Guangxi, and Yunnan provinces, where it thrives well. Teak can also be found in Africa and Latin America, though not all varieties are used for timber. From a wood science perspective, teak is classified as a ring-porous to semi-ring-porous material. Its heartwood ranges from yellowish-brown to dark brown, with a clear contrast to the lighter sapwood, which is typically pale yellow. The growth rings are visible, and under the naked eye, earlywood vessels are prominent, often containing tylosis. When examined under a magnifying glass, latewood vessels, wood rays, and axial thin-walled tissues in tubular or ring-like shapes become apparent. The wood has a natural luster, no strong odor, and a straight or slightly irregular grain. Its structure is medium to coarse, and it is relatively lightweight with low shrinkage after drying. It dries easily and remains stable once dry. Teak exhibits excellent resistance to decay, making it highly durable against marine borers and various chemicals. It is easy to work with, glues, finishes, and nails well, making it a preferred choice for furniture and construction. In summary, teak offers an attractive color, beautiful texture, stable properties, and excellent workability. It is considered one of the finest woods for high-end furniture production. Due to its long growth cycle and limited cultivation areas, teak is relatively rare and expensive. High-quality teak currently costs over 10,000 yuan per cubic meter, surpassing even rosewood in price. This high value has led to a rise in counterfeit products. One of the most popular substitutes is the African big pigeonpea (*Pterocarpus erinaceus*), which shares many characteristics with teak, such as a similar color, lack of odor, and good durability. However, it is significantly cheaper—often half the price of real teak. Despite these similarities, wood scientists can distinguish it by its porous structure, ring-shaped axial fibers, and the presence of iron-sensitive compounds that may cause rust when exposed to moisture. Another common imitation is the black-barked magnolia (*Magnolia konishii*), often sold as “Golden Pomelo” or “Golden Teak.” These are not true teak and are priced around 3,000 yuan per cubic meter. Recently, a product called “plaque teak” has emerged, made from a small-stalked pigeonpea from Africa. It has a yellow-brown color with alternating light and dark streaks, resembling teak and being used to deceive buyers. Additionally, some legume species from Suriname, marketed as “South American teak,” are also sold at lower prices, ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 yuan per cubic meter. These imitations, while less expensive, often mislead consumers who are unfamiliar with the real characteristics of genuine teak.

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