Guilt-Free Teak and Rosewood?

Luxury hardwoods—there's just so much controversy over this one. New is very bad...and reclaimed? Well, then we just wonder what slice of architectural history was torn down. But here comes hardwood supplier East Teak. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, this firm is the first in North America to distribute reclaimed teak and rosewood stamped with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) seal of approval. Hailing from U.K.-based Brooks Brothers UK, Ltd. (no relation to the clothing company), each piece of wood is gleaned from old buildings by hand, according to East Teak, and can be specified for large-scale projects.

The first supplier of FSC-certified prime grade recycled teak and rosewood in North America, according to its Web site, East Teak offers aged wood ranging from 60-100 years old.

"This material conforms to the highest environmental standards available for timber, thus ensuring no tree has been cut and no building of cultural and historical value has been dismantled," says Hans Ng, head of environment for Brooks Bros UK, Ltd.

::East Teak Also see ::Osisu Design's Beautiful Reclaimed Teak Furniture ::Still Troubled About Teak ::Eames Lounge Available in Sustainable Rosewood ::Reforest Teak Furniture, from New World Eco Trees Reforestation Projects