Are you involved in a project, whether it’s construction, interior design, or furniture making? Then you must be familiar with two types of wood that are often considered: sungkai and teak. Both have a strong reputation in the world of building materials and design, but of course, their characteristics and performance are very different.
Interestingly, although both look elegant, teak wood is known for its strength and durability, while sungkai wood has a natural charm and is more affordable. So, before you decide on your next project, let’s take a look at the comparison between sungkai vs teak wood!
General Characteristics
When it comes to characteristics, teak wood (Tectona grandis) is widely known as a premium wood. It has fine grains, a golden brown color, and its sap is resistant to fungi and pests. Teak is also relatively stable against weather changes due to its density and hardness.
Meanwhile, sungkai is a local wood that is lighter than teak. Its color tends to be light yellow to light brown. Due to its lower hardness, sungkai wood is easier to cut or carve, making it suitable for decorations or light interior elements.
Comparison of Sungkai vs Teak Wood
How strong are these materials? Here is a comparison of the strength, beauty, and aesthetics of sungkai wood vs teak wood that you can consider before choosing the best material for your construction or furniture needs.
1. Density & Compressive Strength
Teak wood usually has a high density, making it able to withstand heavy loads and not easily bend. Meanwhile, sungkai wood has a lower density, which makes it softer in terms of compression and load.
2. Resistance to Pests vs Weather
Due to its natural oil content and cell structure, teak tends to be more resistant to pests, termites, and fungi when properly cared for. Sungkai wood, on the other hand, is more susceptible to pest attacks if it is not properly coated with a protective layer or finish.
3. Dimensional Stability
Teak is relatively more stable against changes in humidity and temperature, so the risk of shrinkage or expansion is lower. Sungkai wood can change shape more easily when exposed to high humidity or extreme conditions.
4. Color & Grain
Teak has an elegant color, ranging from golden brown to dark brown, and attractive grain. The finish on teak can be very luxurious. Sungkai is bright in color and its grain is not as smooth as teak, but it has a simple, natural character that is suitable for rustic or minimalist styles.
5. Ease of Finishing
Because teak has a smoother and relatively stable surface, finishes such as varnish, natural oil, or paint adhere better. Sungkai absorbs paint or varnish slightly more, but this also allows for a more diverse range of artistic effects (wash, stain) if you want a custom look.
6. Design Usage
If you want a luxurious, classic, or antique look, teak is generally the preferred choice. However, if you are aiming for a light, flexible style or a more economical option, sungkai wood can be an attractive choice.
Tips for Selection & Care
How to select and care for teak or sungkai wood to maximize results and durability. Check out the following tips!
- If your project involves heavy loads or outdoor use, teak is more recommended.
- For light interiors, decorations, or wall elements, sungkai wood can be sufficient with a protective finish.
- Use paint, varnish, or termite-resistant coatings to extend the wood’s lifespan, especially for sungkai.
- Always choose high-quality wood from trusted suppliers to ensure optimal wood characteristics such as grain direction, moisture content, and dryness.
Well, that’s a comparison of sungkai and teak wood in terms of strength, beauty, and their respective advantages. Ultimately, the best choice always depends on your needs and budget—whether you prioritize the elegant look of teak or the warm, natural feel of sungkai.
Whatever your choice, you can get high-quality wood for interior projects, furniture, or construction at Hojaya! You can find various types of wood and plywood with guaranteed quality, suitable for all your project design needs.
Come explore our wood collection on the Hojaya website and create works that are not only strong but also aesthetic and durable!
