The ability of teak to be easily worked combined with is resistance to decay has contributed to its success as a recognized timber tree and very useful resource.

Teak has extremely strong structural properties the made it a much used product in ship building. Teaks ability to combine with metal and not allow rust or corrosion has been utilized successfully as a top choice for shipbuilding.
When these ships were ready for the scrap heap the teak lumber was recycled for furniture. The first teak tables and benches were made from the decking of old sailing ships. There are examples of these tables and benches in existence today.

England has many examples of public places furnished with old teak table, benches, etc. that are over 100 years old.
Teak us still used on fine boats and yachts today. It will be a material used to weather the elements and retain its warmth and beauty for years to come. This superb material is used for decking, hatches, railing, etc.

Even today with modern equipment available teak is transported from the inland jungles for transport to manufacturing facilities. Due to the enormous size and density of the logs Teak has always been a problem moving. Since they are so heavy and dense they will not float negating the ability to move them downstream.

The teak forests are a great distance from the populated areas where manufacturing takes place. Elephants are still used to drag these enormous logs through the thick under brush of the rain forests. It is amazing to watch them at work stacking the teak logs in even piles without the assistance of humans.

Today teak is used principally in shipbuilding and in the construction of expensive boats and yachts. Teak is virtually impervious to all weather conditions, partly due to its high oil content and is able to resist insect attacks.

Since the 1800's teak has been admired in India and around the world as a superior building material. Teak has been able to capture the romantic nature of the Victorian era. It was the perfect complement to an English garden, complete with ornate detail of the Victorian period.

Currently, teak can be found on modern cruise ship decks, in parks, used as flooring, and as home outdoor furniture. Teak can be worked into the style of most design environments. Teak benches can be found in the tropical gardens of hotels in Hawaii, tables and chairs made of teak provide maintenance-free outdoor dining for skiers in Colorado resorts, and teak steamer chairs can be found from the coast of Maine to the Arizona desert.