Teak wood has been in fashion for centuries, but thanks to a number of limiting factors (deforestation, trade sanctions, etc.) it’s not the easiest building material to find. Your local sawmill is unlikely to have teak decks stacked on a pallet, and the world’s largest teak forests grow in a nation that is under a US trade embargo (Burma).

Fortunately, forestry experts are growing premium quality timber in many of the world’s dry tropical regions, for example, Latin America. Plantation teak is a convenient and environmentally friendly option for those in the market for teak decking or countertops, because not only is it as beautiful as Burmese teak, but it typically costs about half the price.

However, although this sustainable resource is now available to builders and designers, only a few outlets carry the product. Therefore, few architects or designers feel comfortable calling on teak wood in their designs. Hopefully that won’t be the case for long, because a number of wholesalers now offer ecologically responsible plantation teak, you just have to know where to look.

Pacific Coast Teak – Located in Paso Robles, Pacific Coast Teak is an excellent resource for high-quality, eco-friendly teak lumber for those living along the West Coast. With a high degree of environmental credibility, Pacific Coast Teak is the closest source of teak wood to the continental US, reducing shipping costs and weight emissions. Their website lists contact information, but not prices. Apparently, you’ll need to contact a representative to get custom pricing for your project.

Renewable Forest Proteak – With plantations along the Pacific coast of Mexico, Proteak is a producer and distributor of plantation teak products, including cutting boards, countertops and lumber. A distinctive feature of this company is its environmental record. Proteak was not only the first FSC certified company in Mexico, but the company protects more than 2,000 acres of tropical forest adjacent to its plantations. Proteak offers boards in the following dimensions (in inches): 4×4, 5×4, 6×4 and 8×4. Lengths: 4-10 feet.

TeakYard.com – This teak supplier specializes in “slow-growing” renewable teak wood, grown without the use of fertilizers or irrigation. This allows their trees to grow at a natural rate which reportedly gives them the look and durability of Burmese teak. Apparently, teak plantations use methods that accelerate the growth rate of their trees, altering the characteristics and grain pattern of the wood. Teakyard offers several teak deck packages, ranging from 20 board feet of 4×4 lumber for $300 to 100 board feet of 4×4 lumber for $1,400.

Good luck with your teak project. We hope this article will be a valuable resource in your research on sustainable teak.