Common Sense Explanation: How Common Are Ink Lines in Burmese Teak?

Burmese teak, often hailed as the "King of Woods," is a semi-ring-porous timber with a distinct yellowish-brown heartwood that contrasts clearly with its sapwood. The growth rings are prominent, and the wood has a natural luster. Freshly cut surfaces emit a lemony scent, which fades upon drying, leaving no distinctive odor. The grain is straight, with a fine to medium texture that is uniform and slightly oily. The wood is of medium weight, with an air-dry density ranging from 0.58 to 0.88 g/cm³. It exhibits minimal shrinkage and moderate to high strength. Teak dries slowly and is highly resistant to warping. It is also durable against decay, wear, marine borers, termites, and chemical corrosion, making it highly weather-resistant and easy to work with.

Despite some flooring manufacturers claiming that teak has abundant ink lines, this is not entirely accurate. While ink lines are relatively common in teak, they are not particularly abundant. Teak is deeply rooted in European culture, where the aesthetic preference for teak flooring leans towards straight grains that are clean and free of knots, rather than an abundance of ink lines. Moreover, teak is frequently used for yacht decking, where wood with numerous ink lines is more prone to cracking and warping.