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Teak Wood

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Is teak a suitable wood to use for kitchen utensils? I have a supply from reclaimed lawn furniture that was scrapped rather than sold. I've made bird feeders out of it and it holds up well but am thinking of making spatulas out of some.
 

hockenbery

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Is teak a suitable wood to use for kitchen utensils? I have a supply from reclaimed lawn furniture that was scrapped rather than sold. I've made bird feeders out of it and it holds up well but am thinking of making spatulas out of some.
We have a couple of teak utensils I made before 1980. Still working well.
 
Joined
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My wife was concerned because she thought teak was an oily wood. I usually finish with a mineral oil/beeswax finish. Maybe teak needs no finish?
 

Michael Anderson

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I’ve used teak for cutting boards before. Very oily wood, but the surface still dries out somewhat. I still treat with mineral oil—otherwise the wood is an inconsistent look to it. I would imagine this is relevant to utensils. Maybe skip the wax though. Just my two cents.
 
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We have a set of steak knives with teak handles, very durable and aren't even phased by the dishwasher, although they now look like out door furniture, or teak on an old boat, kinda tan-gray
 
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Unfinished and exposed to the elements teak is quite durable, but will turn grey. So probably it wants some oil finish that can easily be renewed.
 
Joined
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Saint Marys, OH
I use a lot of teak in my furniture making and it is one of the best stable, long wearing, and lasting woods for kitchen items around water. That is why its used on boats. just a great wood but very expensive now.
 
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