Fig. 1 shows material key data of six wood species commonly used to construct terraces.

The comparison indicates clearly the mechanical advantages of teakwood.

Technical details: In materials science, the strengh of a material refers to the material's ability to resist an applied force (e.g. plastic deformation or strip). Exterior forces lead to tensions inside the material and thus to expansion. This condition creates strain and generates a strain-stress curve. Several key data can be obtained.

Raw density refers to the ratio of wood mass (weight) and volume. Due to continual moisture content changes, the wood mass and volume vary. Raw density data either refer to mass at 0% moisture content or in-service content of 12%.

Fig. 2 shows raw density at 12% moisture content. Raw density figures of plantation teak and Myanmar teak are identical. Oak figures are slightly above the figures of teak and larch figures are far below.

Swelling and shrinkage rations describe the dimensional changes of wood as a result of changes in temperature and humidity.

In the case of teak wood moisture absorption and release is clearly inhibited by distinct substances of content. Thus, teak is dimensionally stable.

The figure shows a comparison of plantation teak, Myanmar teak and oak concerning swelling and shrinkage ratios. Both teak figures are well below those of oak. As well, it can be seen that the differences between plantation teak and Myanmar teak are insignificant.

Natural durability refers to the inherent resistivity of wood against external wood-destructive organisms.

Classification is in accordance with DIN EN 350-2.

These are the major categories of destructive organisms:

* destructive fungi

* destructive insects (hylotrupes bajulus, anobium punctaum, lyctus brunneus and hesperophanes cinnereus)

* termites 

* marine pests

MOE (modulus of elasticity) is a material key data which describes the connection between strength and stress in relation to deformation by external forces.

This key data is the most important indicator in machine stress grading processes (MSR).

The figure clearly displays that plantation teak has a MOE of 14.400 N/mm²m and is superior to Myanmar teak. Native species, such as oak and larch rank well below plantation teak (see diagram MOE).