CP teak or Burma teak?

Two teaks come up in almost every conversation about fine furniture and interiors: CP teak and Burma teak. Both are golden to dark brown, both are strong and stable, and both make beautiful veneer. Here is how they differ.

CP teak

CP teak, short for Central Province teak, grows in Madhya Pradesh. It is known for its strength, stability and grain, and for a golden-brown colour that deepens and takes on a patina with age. It resists decay, termites and fungus, works easily and finishes well, which is why it turns up in fine furniture, flooring and decking.

Burma teak

Burma teak, from Myanmar, is the benchmark the rest of the world measures teak against. It is naturally oily and high in silica, which makes it hard, durable and very resistant to rot, damp and insects. It stays stable in extreme weather and ages to a silvery grey if left outdoors.

Side by side

Grain

Both are handsome; Burma teak is usually more pronounced and more uniform.

Oil

Burma teak carries more natural oil, so it shrugs off moisture better. CP teak has some, but less.

Silica

More silica makes Burma teak harder and more durable.

Price

Burma teak usually costs more, for its reputation and its quality.

Where each one goes

Both are used for fine furniture, flooring, panelling, doors and windows, outdoor decking and boats, and decorative veneer. Choose by budget, by where the wood will live, and by the look you want.