Why Plantation Teak
Slow Growth Plantation Teak.
Plantation teak is a quality, cost-effective alternative to the teak grown in Southeast Asia. By mimicking the precipitation and soil characteristics of Asia’s great teak forests, Proteak is successfully producing teak lumber with the same look and durability, but without the hefty price tag or ethical dilemmas.
Over the course of the 20th Century, destructive logging practices in Southeast Asia and the high demand for teak led to supply shortages and skyrocketing costs. However, due to the successful management of Proteak’s slow growth teak plantations, consumers now have a source for top-quality teak lumber that’s much closer to home.
Slow growth plantation teak is a socially and environmentally conscious bright spot in a market filled with conflict-tarnished hardwoods. Simply put, plantation teak is teak. And with it comes all of the natural benefits of teak, which include the following:
- Teak enjoys a high level of resins known as tectoquinones, which gives boards their famous ability to repel moisture, rot and even termites
- Its natural oils help resist cracking and warping
- Finished or oiled teak holds a smooth golden brown color
- Weathered teak takes an organic silver patina
- Its high silica content gives it a natural non-slip coating
- Teak won’t cause rust where it comes in contact with metal
Proteak’s sustainable plantations encompass over 8,000 acres of reclaimed ranch lands in Mexico and Central America. Not only do these plantations offer a reliable source of conflict-free teak that can easily be shipped to North America, our plantations employ more than 250 workers in traditionally low-income areas and capture the CO2 emissions of 20,000 cars daily.
As the first forestry company to receive an FSC-certification in Mexico, Proteak protects over 2,000 acres of virgin tropical forests adjacent to our plantations.
Traits and Characteristics of Plantation Teak
