Nautical History Facts about Teak Wood

Since the Middle Ages, ship builders have used teak wood in their work. It is a flexible hardwood that resists splintering and cracking. Natural oils guard teak wood against rot in moist environments. Additionally, it may help keep metal from rusting. For all these reasons, teak wood has been a desired ship-building material for many years.

Teak wood has also been used widely for decking material on boats and ships, big and small. The above reasons, of course, explain why teak would make a good choice. Also, teak wood remains remarkably non-skid when it gets wet; this phenomenon is due to its silica content. As a result, it makes an excellent choice for decking material.

Old ship decks made from teak wood, some over 100 years old, have now been recycled. The salvaged wood has been used to build park benches throughout Europe. Clearly, teak wood has proved that it can endure harsh elements and last many years. If it can endure years of use on ships and still be used for other products, you can trust that a patio set of teak wood can last through your years of use, too.