Replies

1. 
   MBerger | Oct 20, 2006 04:33pm | #1

   Hi Bones.

   Here's an article we published about Ipe, which is considered a good substitute for teak, especially for outdoor furniture.

   Also, take a look at this previous discussion on the same topic. One reply comes from an author who wrote more than a dozen articles for Fine Woodworking about wood science, and is considered to be one of the top experts on the subject.

   "Teak is a distinctive timber, both in terms of texture and color. You can deal with the color via stains, but you can't counterfeit the texture no matter what you do. Some of the eucalypts (karri, or bluegum for example) are sometimes coarse enough to be vaguely similar in texture...but they're not all that available here in North America. At least not in cabinet stock form. The African timber, iroko, is often used as a teak substitute in boat building, but more because of its outstanding decay resistance than its striking similarity in appearance to teak. Also, it is now becoming scarce and expensive...not to mention, it is quite toxic and miserable to work with. Plantation teak should be easier to find. Even if it is a bit pricey ($10 + per BF) it's probably still the better route to take."

1. 
   bones | Oct 20, 2006 08:46pm | #2

   Thanks for the information. I will pass it along.