Timber furniture – what grade timber is it and where does it come from?

The general industry reply is ‘A Grade’, however, this doesn’t really provide the detail you require. This generalised term refers to the ‘heartwood’ (middle) of the trunk where the majority of the oil content is contained, providing the ideal resistance to outdoor conditions. A Grade timber should look golden brown, feel slightly oily; NOT pale and dry. Most factories purchase A1 Grade Teak from Plantations in Semarang or Surabaya (trunks are 100mm wide and felled from young trees). We purchase A6 Grade teak from Jepara – an area renowned for exceptional quality, sustainably managed and protected by the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council and TFT (The Forest Trust). A6 Grade trunks are up to 600mm wide, very mature, super strong, with minimal knots and no sap. We kiln-dry our timber so the moisture content is below 12%. As a result, we are able to create stunning furniture from solid, non-laminated boards. It is very expensive but extremely hard-wearing and provides the longevity you need.