Restoring a Landmark with Teak
Spotlight on: Teak
Continued from page 31
to inspect the material that had been salvaged and the material to be replaced in order to get a better feel for what the "like for like" specification actually meant. These site visits were extremely helpful as the team was able to discern that not all of the material was quartered and certain construction techniques could be altered to significantly reduce the amount of lumber actually needed to complete the job.
Armed with new specifications and a much better idea of the total scope of the project, J. Gibson McIlvain Company invited the GCI representatives to visit their yard and were able to share with them information about the wood's sourcing and demonstrate the legality and sustainability of the material. J. Gibson McIlvain staff then spent time reviewing inventory and providing options for getting the required "like for like" match. "We partnered with their staff wood scientist and their restoration staff to discuss the specific characteristics of Teak and how its beauty could be maintained and finished for decades to come," said J. Gibson McIlvain Company president Caroline McIlvain. Finally, the team began the process of hand selecting more than 30,000 board feet of material and delivering it to the San Diego site.
"This was a fascinating project to be a part of and we are honored to play a role in the restoration of such an important landmark in life sciences and architecture," said McIlvain. "But really, the wood is the star here and the superior character of Teak will mean that the Institute will be just as beautiful in another 50 years."
Spotlight On: Teak
Species: Tectona grandis
Origin: Native to Southern Asia. Also widely grown on plantations throughout tropical regions of Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Common Applications: Ship and boatbuilding, veneer, furniture, flooring, cabinets, exterior construction, carving, turnings, and small wood objects.
Characteristics / Appearance: Heartwood is golden to medium brown, the color darkening with age. Grain is straight or occasionally wavy or interlocked. Teak has a coarse, uneven texture and moderate to low natural luster. Raw, unfinished wood surfaces have a slightly oily or greasy feel due to natural oils that protect the wood from insects and rot.
Janka Hardness Scale: 1,070 lbf (see chart on page 57)
Comments: Teak is one of the most desirable woods in the world because of its superb stability, strength, and outstanding resistance to decay and rot. It is generally easy to work with, although its high silica content has a blunting effect on cutting edges. Despite its natural oils, teak glues and finishes well, though prepping with solvent prior to gluing/finishing is sometimes necessary.
Frequently asked questions
How much teak lumber was needed for the Salk Institute restoration project?+
The project required more than 30,000 board feet of teak, which was hand-selected by J. Gibson McIlvain Company and delivered to the San Diego site.
What does a 'like for like' specification mean for historic wood restoration?+
It refers to matching the replacement material to the original wood's characteristics. On this project, site visits revealed that not all original material was quartered, allowing the team to refine specifications and reduce the amount of lumber needed.
How did J. Gibson McIlvain demonstrate the legality and sustainability of the teak?+
GCI representatives visited the McIlvain yard, where staff shared sourcing information and worked with their wood scientist and restoration staff to review inventory and discuss how teak's beauty could be maintained and finished for decades.
Why is teak considered ideal for exterior restoration projects?+
Teak is one of the most desirable woods in the world because of its superb stability, strength, and outstanding resistance to decay and rot. Its natural oils also protect it from insects and rot.
What are the working properties of teak wood?+
Teak is generally easy to work with, though its high silica content blunts cutting edges. Despite its natural oils, it glues and finishes well, although prepping with solvent prior to gluing or finishing is sometimes necessary.
What is the Janka hardness and appearance of teak?+
Teak has a Janka hardness of 1,070 lbf. Its heartwood is golden to medium brown and darkens with age, with straight or occasionally wavy grain, a coarse uneven texture, and a slightly oily feel from natural oils.