Teak: n. [Port. teca < Malayalam tekka] 1. A large East Indian tree (Tectona grandis) of the verbena family, with white flowers and hard, yellowish-brown wood used for furniture, shipbuilding, etc. 2. Its wood: also teak'wood'.
Teakwood is well know since early/ancient times as a valuable resource due to its long life reliability and weather resistance as well as its workable qualities. Pieces of teak have been found (in India) over 200 years old and still intact. Teakwood is probably most well known for its use in boat building, wharves and bridges as well as fine furniture, venetian blinds and veneers.
Since ancient times teak has been one of the world's most valuable timber trees. The wood is easily worked and well noted for its resistance to decay. Intact pieces more than 200 years old have been found in India. Teakwood is used for ships, wharves, and bridges as well as for fine furniture, venetian blinds, and veneer. Teak also refers specifically to the wood and its characteristic color, which ranges from olive to yellowish gray or moderate brown.
Teak furniture dates back prior to the 19th century used mainly by the Chinese for export to Europe. The Victorian era also incorporated the use of teakwood during the mechanical era of the 1840’s with the invention of presses, veneer cutters etc which enabled them to create decorative elegant high class furniture. Another factor here is transportation (shipping) was also becoming more advanced.
