Teak (tectona grandis) is a deciduous hardwood tree indigenous to the dry, hilly terrain of Indonesia and Southeast Asia. It has an exceptionally dense grain and is highly resistant to rot, warping, shrinkage and swelling. Teak’s high natural oil and silica contents act as natural preservatives, so the wood can be left outdoors for decades. It is one of the hardest, strongest and most durable of all timbers, and is virtually impervious to the effects of sun, rain, frost and snow. No other hardwood will perform to the same high standard as teak in outdoor conditions.