Holistic Teak

Tectona Grandis or teak as you know it, is renowned throughout history as a sacred tree for many different reasons. Ancient mariners used the wood because of its amazing resistance and endurance to water and the elements, very much the same reasons as to why boat builder,interior designers and furniture artisans still prefer using the species to this very day.

The teak tree, if left alone, can reach an age of 1500 year and 46 Meters in height. Desired for its structural stability, unparalleled durability, resistance to decay, insects and water, teak has become one of the most used and desired woods in the world. Its high oil content allows the wood to age, turn grey, and even without protective coatings, survive the harshest environments and weather without decay.

Another aspect of reclaimed teak that is spectacular is its resistance to moisture, making it perfect in wet use areas. Pool decking, bathroom tiles and kitchen backslashes all are elevated to a new level of durability and beauty when reclaimed teak is used. But besides the obvious uses for furniture, home decor and ocean going sea vessels, human beings were tapping into the healing powers of this incredible plant for centuries. I’ll touch more on that in a moment. First let me explain why reclaimed teak is different than plantation teak.

Indoteak Design: Our Reclaimed Teak

Many of the worlds most beloved woodlands are diminishing at an alarming rate as the result of deforestation and non-sustainable logging. One of the the major culprits in this crisis is improper or, in some cases, non-existent systems of recycling. At IndoTeak Design, we are committed to providing the highest quality products while also striving to cause no harm to the environment.

By properly utilizing 100% reclaimed teak salvaged from Indonesia, our production works as close to a  zero-waste process as possible. This means no trees are cut down as a result of our work. Instead, our wood is salvaged from 100-300 year-old structures that were slated for demolition or the landfill. This rare, beautiful wood, aged by time and the elements, is then refined without any VOC or leeching glues, ensuring the safety for your family or business. All pieces of the wood are used. Top layers and big pieces get turned into flooring. Smaller pieces become decking, siding and tile. Whats left after that gets used in our finger-joint plywood and as our substrate. the last tiny pieces left are used to fill holes and the dust used to fire our kilns.

Healing Properties

While we all know the beauty of teak for decor, did you also know that the teak tree has been a source of holistic healing, centuries before it was used as building timber?

Indigenous people have used this “sacred tree” tree for centuries in treating various health benefits. Different parts of the tree have been found to be beneficial in the treatment of indigestion, migraines and useful in treatment of fever.

Besides the high oil content being great for keeping the wood looking great and resistant to bugs and water, did you know that the tree has been used for healing and medicinal use for centuries. It can help cure a cold, promote growth of new hair and treating rashes. The flowers and the seeds are diuretics.  In traditional medicine, a wood-powder paste of the tree is used to treat headaches, swellings and dermatitis (a skin reaction), as well as worms and other parasites of the gut. But wait…there’s more.

Here is a list of just some of the ailments treated by the teak tree:

• Antiasthmatic Properties
• Anthelmintic Properties
• Dermatological Care
• Anti-oxidizing Properties
• Laxative Properties
• Antidiabetic Properties
• Treatment of Haemoptysis
• Treatment of Gastrointestinal Disorders
• Treatment of Headache
• Treatment of Anuria
• Haemostatic Properties
• Treatment of Bronchitis
• The smell of teak wood creates a peaceful calming effect

HOME AND BUSINESS HOLISTIC USE

Benefits for home and business, besides the natural beauty, are the soothing tones and smells emitted by the wood. Some of our biggest clients specifically request our wood for the these exact reasons. Whether its a boardroom conference table for global surf brand Billabong or a custom bar-top counter for the legendary Chef Nobu at Matsuhisa Restaurant, the healing powers match the luxurious vibe of reclaimed teak, creating something absolutely unique and stunning.

Reclaimed Teak Flooring & Yoga

Perhaps there is no better fit for our flooring than yoga studios. The water and moisture resistance is a huge factor, especially for establishments that teach hot yoga. With multiple classes daily, the reclaimed teak holds up to the water and heat incredibly well, resisting warping and twisting Its also bug resistant because of ots natural high oil content. Pair that with the body being in direct contact with the actual wood and you have a very healing experience to the sight, smell and touch as well as the soul.

We have also installed our reclaimed teak siding and tiles in medical offices, waiting rooms, restaurants and gyms. There are many choices a person or designer can make, but only our reclaimed teak has the complete green-story of recycled, reclaimed and earth friendly products paired with the holistic and healing properties of old-growth teak.

Keep in mind this is not “new” plantation teak, this is wood, hundreds of years old, that came from old growth trees that were fully mature. This means the wood in our flooring is anywhere from 200-600 years in age and in some cases, even older. What does that mean?

It means this wood was part of the earth, growing pure and natural, growing and strengthening over the centuries through the elements and heat, getting stronger and harder than anything that can be found from plantation teak. Thats just the durability story. The medicinal and therapeutic story is just as engrossing. If you have a business that’s serious about the planet, serious about providing its customers with an experience thats healing and beautiful, give us a call. We can add to your story.

Learn more about Indoteak Design Here.