Understanding what each quality grade actually means
One of the questions we get asked most often is why do you have quality grades for teak? Once we’ve answered, the next question is usually what does each grade mean? Below, we hope to clarify what our grading system means so that you can better choose the right grade of teak for your next project. Understanding what each quality grade actually means
Quality Grades: Why grade teak anyway?
We chose our grades specifically so we can ensure both clarity and transparency in the finished product. What our quality grades offer is standardization so there are no surprises, and you can get the best value for what you need. Knowing the different quality grades means that you are not wasting money on a project where a lower grade will be perfectly fine, or you can go for a particularly high-quality piece for a certain high visibility area – thus spending more only where needed.
Here are a few simple definitions that might be helpful:
FEQ is defined as First European Quality and requires the wood to have no sapwood, knots or wormholes and be 100% heartwood and be Tectona Grandis or “Burmese Teak” rather than many industry “stand in woods” such as Golden Teak, African Teak or Brazilian Teak which are not teak at all and do not share the same resistant properties.
Here is an example of our FEQ Grade teak. You can decide if you need both sides of the wood to be of excellent quality. If not, our FEQ/G1S is an option for you. G1S means “good one side”, and this can save you money if, for example, you are doing a project where only one side of the board will be seen.
Our 100% Heartwood Grade is the same as the FEQ wood, except that some generally tight knots may exist. The wood retains the same quality of resistance to rot, mildew and pests but just with a slightly different look.
Our Designer Grade category is defined as 75% or better heartwood content on one side. There may be some tight knots and no bug holes. This is sold at quite a savings to you and can be used for interior furniture or interior boat work, or exterior furniture. Quite a few designers like this grade for the interesting features in the natural wood.