What Is Nilambur Teak, and Why Is It Prized for Furniture?

Teak is grown across India and many other countries, but not all teak is equal. Nilambur, in the Malappuram district of Kerala, has been known for its teak for well over a century. It is home to Conolly’s Plot, among the oldest teak plantations in the world, planted in the 1840s. Teakwood Factory has worked exclusively in Nilambur teak since 1984.

What makes Nilambur teak different

Slow growth, dense wood

The soil and rainfall of the Nilambur valley produce trees that grow steadily, giving dense, strong timber with an even grain. Dense wood holds joints tightly and resists dents.

Natural oils

Teak is naturally rich in oils, which help it resist moisture, termites and rot. This is why it suits Bengaluru homes through the monsoon, and balconies and sit-outs where other woods swell or crack.

Golden colour that deepens

Freshly cut Nilambur teak has a warm golden-brown tone that deepens with age. Even under a Walnut or Espresso polish, the grain shows through.

Stability

Well-seasoned teak moves very little with changes in humidity, so drawers keep sliding, doors keep closing and tabletops stay flat.

Teak vs other woods

• Sheesham (Indian rosewood) is hard and attractive, but less resistant to moisture and more prone to movement.
• Rubberwood and pine are cheaper and lighter, but softer and less durable.
• Plywood, MDF and particle board are engineered sheets. They’re economical but can swell with moisture and don’t last generations.

How to tell if it’s real teak

• It’s heavy for its size.
• The grain runs continuously through the edges, rather than stopping at a veneer line.
• It has a faint, slightly leathery smell when freshly worked.
• The seller can tell you where the teak came from.

Come and see the difference at our J. P. Nagar showroom, or arrange a visit to our factory to see the timber before it’s made into furniture.