Today, discriminating furniture buyers understand that teak is the most durable, moisture-proof wood in existence. 

The thing is, they have understood this for centuries. Teak’s sleek appearance and unmatched toughness has set it apart for a very long time. The team at AquaTeak is proud to be able to provide furniture made of such an incredible material to the world. In today’s blog, we want to go back in time and explore teak’s role in historical cultures.

As you may know, teak trees are native to Southeast Asia, where the heat and humidity create optimal conditions for them to grow. They are massive trees, growing up to 200 feet tall. That means one full-grown tree can produce incredible amounts of timber.

First Uses

• The native people of Southeast Asia used teak to construct their homes, furniture, and tools. They also brewed the bark into tea that they used to sooth headaches, fever, and stomach pain.
• Teak found its way onto the ocean via ship builders and sailors. It was so strong, it became more and more popular, eventually spreading to European shipyards during the Middle Ages, where it was used for ship frames and floors.
• Because most travel by water wasn’t recreational at the time, teak was most commonly used for ship structure rather than furniture. However, it is safe to say that the best sea-faring furniture was made of teak.

Industry and Trade

• Teak’s incredible qualities earned it a significant role in the development of trade. In the seventeenth century, the first teak plantation opened in Sri Lanka, and teak was officially commercialized. Around this time, the British Navy mandated that all their Navy ships be made with teak, so demand for the material skyrocketed. Not only that, teak was used to construct bridges all over Europe and Asia. It’s a testament to teak’s durability that some of those bridges still stand to this day.
• Because teak was so good around water and in the outdoors, it was used in many marine towns and was instrumental in the structures of palaces.

Victorian Era

• Making their ships out of teak was a great move on the British Navy’s part. They carefully maintained their ships and were successful until metal began to take over the shipyards. The teak ships had to be dismantled.
• Thankfully, during this time, sitting outdoors as a restful activity was catching on. There was demand for outdoor furniture, and teak was the answer. In no time, teak furniture became a fashion item. The wood from the Navy ships was transformed into beautiful teak furniture, and accessories in a beautiful example of recycling at its best.

When you buy teak furniture, you’re joining a grand tradition of appreciating one of the most beautiful, tough woods in the world. We at AquaTeak are proud to offer incredible products that will add luxury to any location. Invest in a teak shower bench from AquaTeak and enjoy the luxurious wood that kept monarchs comfortable and carried sailors across the sea!