As Burmese Teak becomes more and more readily available, home contractors and boat builders alike need to educate themselves on several aspects of Teak in order to ensure they are receiving the highest quality product. Because the product will soon flood the market, if you are a contractor or builder, you may be tempted to pay less, but know that this could compromise the appearance and quality of the wood. Educating yourself and striving to purchase only the best product will lead to more satisfied customers.
Because Teak isn’t sold as a rough sawn lumber product, it will typically be sold in a size that is relatively close to the finished product size. Teak is available in a variety of thicknesses, lengths, and widths, with pricing depending on those variables. Because Teak is a more expensive lumber option, you must ensure that every board foot counts and that you don’t over order, resulting in wasteful spending. While it is okay to over order just a bit, knowing rough sawn sizes compared to finished product sizes can help you end up with just over the necessary amount.
So, what is your job as a builder to prevent over ordering? Know your specific measurements. If you don’t, in any lumber case, chances are your supplier will only be able to offer a vague price and amount quote, which likely will change from day to day.
You may also want to consider how the Teak was dried. Most exotic Teak comes into American lumber yards at an European dried standard of 12-15%. If your application isn’t specific and allows for that high of a moisturecontent, that is fine. However, if you are installing the Teak indoors or even outdoors in a specific application, such as a yacht floor, you will need to have the wood re-dried to 6-8%. What happens if you don’t re-dry? Well, you can expect major movements in the wood, in which shrinkage or expansion could cause major problems pretty quickly.
How can you ensure that you are receiving the highest quality Teak? Well, aside from knowing a few things to look for, you should be able to have a detailed conversation with your supplier. Lumber suppliers like J. Gibson McIlvain Company recognize wood movement, as well as different applications, so if you can have a conversation regarding what the intended finished product is, their skilled representatives will be able to guide you to the best options.
As a standard, J. Gibson McIlvain Company also re-dries exotic lumber to the 6-8%; however, if it is advantageous for a customer to receive the exotic lumber at a 12-15% dry rate and if that would save the customer money, that option is also available. Known for its signature color and durability, Teak is a top choice for high end homes and yacht construction. By having a long term relationship with sellers in Asia, J. Gibson McIlvain Company can purchase only the finest FEQ (First European Quality) Teak in order to offer their customers the best, highest quality Teak on the market.
J. Gibson McIlvain Company
Since 1798, when Hugh McIlvain established a lumber business near Philadelphia, the McIlvain family has been immersed in the premium import and domestic lumber industry. With its headquarters located just outside of Baltimore, the J. Gibson McIlvain Company (www.mcilvain.com) is one of the largest U.S. importers of exotic woods.
As an active supporter of sustainable lumber practices, the J. Gibson McIlvain Company has provided fine lumber for notable projects throughout the world, including the White House, Capitol building, Supreme Court, and the Smithsonian museums. Contact a representative at J. Gibson McIlvain today by calling (800) 638-9100.
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