Reclaimed or plantation-grown teak: how to choose
Two kinds of teak, two different materials: a practical comparison and the questions worth asking any supplier.
Two materials, not a ranking
Both are Tectona grandis, but they are not interchangeable. Reclaimed teak brings history, variation and limited availability. Plantation-grown teak suits projects that need consistency, larger quantities or specific dimensions. We keep them separate and label every quotation accordingly.
| Criteria | Reclaimed teak | Plantation-grown teak |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Recovered from old buildings and structures | Grown and harvested in managed plantations |
| Look | Natural variation, patina, old marks | Easier to keep consistent |
| Supply | Depends on what is recovered | Can be planned lot by lot |
| Selection | Age, density and hardness checked by physical inspection | Specification agreed per lot |
| Documents | Origin photos and forest-ministry documents per shipment | Legal documentation applicable to each lot, including SVLK where applicable |
A note on durability
Our teak data sheet states that the durability of plantation teak is lower than that of teak from natural forest. Under NF EN 350-2, natural-forest teak is in natural durability class 1 against fungi, while teak planted in Asia and elsewhere is in classes 1 to 3. The same sheet notes that long-rotation teak has no juvenile wood and a higher heartwood content than short-rotation teak.
For reclaimed teak, the exact age of the tree at felling cannot be guaranteed for each piece, which is why we verify age, density and hardness by physical inspection. For exposed outdoor use of either type, tell us the exposure and we will advise on finish and maintenance.
Questions to ask any teak supplier
- Is it reclaimed or plantation-grown, and can they show you the stock?
- For plantation teak: how old is the plantation, what rotation, and how much heartwood?
- Which legal documents accompany the lot (for example SVLK where applicable)?
- For reclaimed teak: how are age, density and hardness verified?
- What colour variation should I expect, and can it be sorted?
- Is the use interior, covered or exposed?
We do not make absolute environmental claims for either type. Ask us for the documents behind the specific lot you are considering.
Request current stock
Tell us the species, dimensions and quantity. We reply with what is available now.
Send your drawings
Architects, designers and contractors: share plans and quantities and we will come back with a tailored proposal.
Visit by appointment
We are open Monday to Friday 8:30–16:30 and Saturday 8:30–12:00 (closed Sundays). Visits to the lumberyard and showroom are by appointment only.