Teak is a strong, beautiful hardwood that comes from tall trees native to South and Southeast Asia. Teak has been prized for centuries because it contains natural oils that make it incredibly resistant to water, rot, and insects. When you touch teak wood, it feels smooth and slightly oily, almost waxy.

Shipbuilders have used teak for hundreds of years to build the decks of sailing ships and warships because seawater and weather barely affect it. Even after years of exposure to rain, sun, and salt spray, teak remains solid and durable. Today, people use teak for outdoor furniture, boats, and flooring. You might see teak benches in parks or teak chairs on restaurant patios, often weathered to a silvery-gray color but still perfectly sturdy.

Because teak is so valuable and slow-growing, many teak forests are now carefully managed or grown on plantations to prevent overharvesting.