Golden teak is a wood product used in the manufacture of furniture and flooring. Despite the name, this wood is actually made from Acacia decurrens, a tree native to Australasia. Wood from this tree is also sometimes sold as “Brazilian teak.” The wood is often stained to attain a teak-like tone, although it may also be sold in unstained form.
Like true teaks, golden teak is a hardwood. It grows slowly and steadily, developing wood which is very dense and sturdy. The durability of hardwoods has made them prized for flooring for centuries, as they can withstand the heavy use endured by floors. Golden teak also has a rich tone and a fine grain which can mesh well with a variety of home designs. As the name implies, it often has a golden color which may be enhanced through staining.
Golden teak sapwood, the new growth from the outer part of the tree trunk, has a much lighter tone, while heartwood is darker. Some companies sell sapwood and heartwood mixed to create more visual interest, and it is also possible to purchase the two types of wood separately. Flooring made with this type of wood also comes in a variety of guises, from solid planks to engineered floors in which a veneer of golden teak is installed over a cheaper base wood.
Like other wood products, golden teak benefits from proper care throughout its lifetime. The wood should be wiped down with warm damp cloths periodically for cleaning, and it may require oiling. Sealed flooring may need to be periodically stripped and refinished, especially in high traffic areas where the wood may become worn down. Like other hardwoods, golden teak is also suitable for applications such as decking, as long as it is regularly oiled to keep the wood in good condition.
When selecting golden teak for flooring and decking, people should inspect every piece, if possible, and get wood from the same batch so that the wood has been processed in the same way. Pieces with structural defects like large knots or bends should not be used, and the care directions for the product should be carefully noted, as some types of finishes may have special care needs. It is also important to note the terms of the warranty, if there is one, and to keep documentation relating to the purchase of the product and the stated warranty, so that if a problem develops while the product is under warranty, the manufacturer will be obliged to address it.
