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How the Teak Lumber Market Favors Home Builders

Last updated on November 4, 2014 by Sozo Staff Leave a Comment

Gib McIlvain in front of Teak logs
Gib McIlvain in front of Teak logs

It’s no secret that the Teak market has traditionally revolved around boat builders. That industry’s high standards require lumber importers to purchase a larger volume of Teak than boat builders require, simply because not all FEQ Teak will meet the strict requirements of the boat building industry. That situation is actually very good for home builders, who can more easily obtain high-quality Teak that was once difficult to obtain.

Why Leftover Teak Is Great

For one thing, the boat building industry has made it possible for plenty of high-quality Teak to be already imported to the United States. It’s here, just waiting for home builders to place their orders! There is absolutely nothing wrong with this “leftover” material — unless you’re a yacht builder with extremely specific requirements in view.

Sunning Teak in Asia
Sunning Teak in Asia

Whether the requirement is length or width requirements or specific grain patterns, the “problem” with these cast-offs is simply that they didn’t qualify for the particular job at hand. At the same time, that beautiful Teak lumber may well suit your purposes perfectly!

Let’s say a boat builder has sorted through a stack of mixed grain or quartersawn stock, but has only pulled maybe 1 out of every 10 boards. The remainder of that stack is available. Sometimes a single pin knot is the reason an entire Teak board is overlooked; while the potential for weather resistance in a marine application is compromised by that tiny knot, it might not pose a problem for your project — especially if it allows you to cut around such imperfections.

The bottom line is that what’s passed over by boat builders is often still what’s considered above grade for other industries.

Why Lesser Grades Can Be Better

Even though plenty of high-quality Teak is truly passed over by boat builders, some of what they reject is lesser grade. As a lumber supplier, we rarely receive an entire shipping container filled with only top-grade Teak. (If we do, we paid a lot more for it and waited a lot longer for it to get filled.)

teak porch floor
Teak porch floor

In addition to FEQ Teak that’s overlooked by boat builders, there is a percentage of B grade material in each container. It typically isn’t much cheaper (maybe 10%). Why? It’s still come a long way and has been subject to a litany of regulations and fees. So why should you consider buying B grade Teak? Mainly, because it’s already here! It’s available now, instead of waiting with 10 months of lead time before the Teak leaves Myanmar on the other side of the world.

How Your Choices Can Impact the Future of Teak

In addition to helping meet the needs of your current project in a timely manner, there’s a more far-sighted positive effect of buying leftover Teak. U.S. lumber importers typically turn away plenty of material that we know won’t sell here in the U.S. Many U.S. home builders fail to realize that Teak is a viable option. As more home builders begin buying Teak, scant pieces (usually referred to as “European sizes) useful for trim and paneling may become available. As we more fully utilize the Teak resources available to us, we’ll all benefit, including the global lumber market and ecology, at large.

Grading dried lumber at J Gibson McIlvain
Grading dried lumber at J Gibson McIlvain

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.

Filed Under: Construction, Lumber

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