Your Guide To Teak Hardwood Floors

With so many different kinds of hardwood on the market, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed with options. From maple to walnut to red oak, there are countless hardwoods available for flooring. And … literally endless options for staining choices. What if there was a sturdy, incredibly tough hardwood that was naturally water-resistant and didn’t even require a stain? That is where the tropical hardwood, teak comes in. You may have seen teak used on boat decks, outdoor furniture, and in tropical-inspired style. This is because teak is naturally water-resistant and offers a beautiful, luxurious look for your home or outdoor space. Teak seems like a great option for your next hardwood flooring project but there are plenty of questions to consider. Read on for your complete guide to choosing teak hardwood floors for your home.

Where Does Teak Come From?

Teak is a tropical hardwood that is indigenous to the southern region of Asia. It was first popularized in the West by explorers who traveled to India, Indonesia, and Thailand, who saw that this wood was not only beautiful but would provide water resistance for their sailing ships and other boats. Often teak is still utilized on yacht decks and even in smaller details on boats as a nod to its nautical origin.

Nowadays, teak is grown all over the world, but still primarily thrives in southern climates. Only a few foresters grow teak in North America but the hardwood thrives in the humid, rainy conditions of South America, the Caribbean, and even Africa.

Is Teak Flooring Going To Be Expensive?

To put it quite simply, yes. Teak hardwood flooring is one of the more expensive hardwood options. Middle-grade teak averages between $13-15 per square foot. The most expensive, high-quality teak goes for around $40 per square foot. That being said, teak pays for itself in the quality of the wood. It is incredibly hardy which means that it will not be prone to scratches and everyday wear and tear that would cause a softer wood to need to be refinished. Teak also is abundant in natural oils which means that many people do not even spend money staining or sealing it, letting the beautifully water-resistant wood remain as-is.

One of the main reasons that teak leans more on the expensive side is the sourcing of it. In some countries, teak has been overforested and is being unethically harvested from protected reserves. So, it is important to opt for teak that has been given an ethical certification from the Forest Stewardship Council.

If you are looking for a more affordable way to incorporate teak into your home, there are many beautiful options for engineered teak flooring that feature a thin teak veneer laid over a more affordable wood. These engineered teak floors allow you to incorporate this beautiful tropical wood for a fraction of the price of traditional hardwood.

How To Incorporate Teak In Your Home

There are many options for incorporating teak flooring into your home. Because of its hardiness and water resistance, teak is great for areas that are high traffic and often wet like kitchens, bathrooms, and entryway hallways. Teak has a lot of natural variation in the grain, so it works best in room designs that are a bit cleaner and not super busy. With the higher price point of this hardwood, it is best to let the floor be the focal point and keep the rest of the room relatively simple. Also, because teak is often a rich shade of warm orange-brown, it pairs best with furniture and wall colors that are neutral or cool-toned, in order to prevent the room from feeling too warm.

If you are looking to incorporate teak into your home, look no further than Troendle Hardwood Company. With over a century in the hardwood business, Troendle is the right choice for your next hardwood flooring project. Call or contact us for your free quote today.