In 2000, a group of investors gathered together to begin a unique endeavor: cultivating and harvesting a species of trees once found primarily in Southeast Asia along Mexico's western Pacific coast. The motivation behind this new company, Proteak, was to offer an alternative to the teak wood being harvested overseas through largely reckless practices that were decimating the Southeast Asian rainforests.

The high quality products made by Proteak and its unique approach to cultivation quickly launched the company into the spotlight, and the brand has become one of the leaders in housewares. Each year, Proteak continues to develop new styles and lines of products featuring its gorgeous, environmentally friendly teak wood to meet the demands of its growing legion of teak-loving customers.

We created our Buyers' Guide to Proteak Butcher Block Kitchen Carts and Cutting Boards to answer your questions about Proteak's array of products. The guide will introduce you not only to the kitchen carts and cutting boards made by the brand, but also to teak wood itself. Read the guide from start to finish and give yourself an education in all things Proteak before you shop, and then bookmark this page to come back as you browse the brand's products.

What is teak wood?

Sometimes called by its scientific name Tectona grandis, the teak is a hardwood tree species that is native to the tropical rainforests in India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Burma and other parts of Southeast Asia. The wood has a bold golden color with natural dark brown marbling that gives it an attractive, unique appearance. The resins present in teak wood make it repel moisture, rather than absorbing it, a property that is not found in many other hardwood species.

After its original discovery in 1782, teak was first used in the shipbuilding industry. Over time, the beauty of teak wood led to its use in furnishings and its wide appeal made consumers begin to clamor for products made from the hardwood. As a result, massive deforestation began in Southeast Asia to meet the demand and acres upon acres of forests were lost.

What makes Proteak teak wood different than the kind offered by other brands?

Rather than relying on wood harvested from the already heavily deforested areas in Southeast Asia, Proteak grows its own teak on its plantations in Mexico and Latin America. The company performs extensive research before choosing new sites for its plantations, taking into account the soil and atmospheric conditions in the areas. Only the sites that most closely resemble the native environments of the teak tree are selected, allowing the company to cultivate the trees without having to irrigate or use fertilizers. As a result, Proteak products are not only organic, but also have a rich, beautiful color and appearance that is not found in other teak products on the market.

How is Proteak an environmentally friendly company?

Proteak practices environmental responsibility in a number of ways. Its plantations are established in areas that have already been cleared due to commercial deforestation, reclaiming land that was previously desolate. Whenever possible, Proteak selects plantations in areas adjacent to tropical rainforests and purchases portions of these areas to preserve them from deforestation. As a result, the company now protects more than 6,000 acres of rainforest in Mexico and Latin America in addition to caring for its own plantations.

The products made by Proteak carry certifications and approvals from both the Forest Stewardship Council and the Rainforest Alliance, testifying to the care the brand takes in protecting the environment. The lumbering and manufacturing processes used to produce Proteak products are environmentally friendly as well. Recently, Proteak has undergone new projects to protect the biodiversity in the areas surrounding their plantations, taking steps to limit the impact of introducing non-native species of trees upon local flora and fauna.

What grains do Proteak cutting boards come in?

Proteak cutting boards come in two primary grains.

The end grain cutting boards are pieced together from the ends of sturdy teak rails. The construction of the grain shows off the beauty of teak wood by combining a large number of rails for a diverse, checkerboard appearance on the block. The surface provided by using only the ends of the teak rails is gentler on knife blades and extends the life of your cutlery. The grain is also resistant to scratches.

Proteak edge grain cutting boards are made from long rails that are arranged one above the other for a striped effect. The colors found in the brand's edge grain cutting boards are more uniform and stylized, making some home chefs prefer their appearances, particularly for serving.

What shapes of Proteak cutting boards are available?

The majority of Proteak cutting boards are round or rectangular in shape. The brand does have specialty boards available that are octagons, ovals and squares as well.

What features are available in Proteak cutting boards?

To meet the needs of today's home chefs, Proteak offers numerous features in the various products in its cutting board collection.

• Finger grips are found on many Proteak cutting board styles and are indentations found on two sides of the board. The grooves are ideal for keeping the board steady while you work and give you an easy way to grip the board to lift it off the counter for cleaning or scraping chopped ingredients into a pot, pan or bowl.



• Juice grooves are deep indentations that run along some Proteak cutting boards near their edges. These grooves catch liquids shed by fruits, vegetables and meats as they are sliced and keep them off the board's surface. Not only does this increase the safety of the board by removing moisture, it also makes cleanup that much easier.



• Juice cups are found on a small number of Proteak cutting boards. These plastic cups are mounted on one end of the boards and collect the liquids that run off into the juice grooves. The liquids can then be easily discarded or even reserved to flavor recipes.



• Handles are featured on some of Proteak's rectangular cutting boards. Styles that feature handles are called "paddles" due to their shape. In some paddle styles, there is an opening within the handle that allows you to hang up your cutting board for easy storage.



• Bowl cutouts are cutaways featured in a small number of Proteak cutting boards that allow you to fit the boards onto a bowl, tray or other serving item to easily transfer food.



• Nesting styles of cutting boards are created by Proteak and feature a smaller cutting board that fits into a larger style. These two-in-one combinations give you two different sized work surfaces and simplify storage.

What are the features and styles of Proteak carts?

Proteak produces two primary styles of kitchen carts.

The butcher block carts feature five-inch teak wood work surfaces that are extremely durable and intended to serve as a work surface. The serving carts feature 2.5-inch thick teak tops and are designed for wheel-up serving at the dinner table.

Proteak carts come in end and edge grains and are mounted on sturdy stainless steel bases outfitted with open, grate shelves and durable, locking casters. Each of the carts has a stainless steel handle to make it easy to transport, and all of the styles have a square shape.

Does Proteak make any other products?

Yes, Proteak manufactures a variety of other products out of its signature teak wood. One of the most popular lines is its stationery island styles. The brand creates both butcher block and serving islands with matching teak wood bases. The square islands have open shelves for storage and are available in both end and edge grains.

How do I care for my Proteak product?

Prior to using your Proteak cutting board or butcher block, you'll need to season its surface with a food-grade mineral oil. Seasoning is simple; just wet a soft cloth with the oil and apply with the grain. Let the coat dry completely and then repeat the process three to four more times. The mineral oil coating helps keep the teak wood moist and protects it from scratches as you work.

To clean your Proteak cutting board or butcher block, first scrape the surface with a metal scraper or spatula. Then, use a soft cloth moistened with hot water and dish soap. Wipe again with just hot water and then scrape the surface a final time. Then, use a dry cloth to absorb any lingering water. While it is fine to rinse your cutting board under the sink, never submerge it in dishwater.

Proteak recommends that you disinfect your cutting board after every use by applying full strength white vinegar or 3 percent hydrogen peroxide. This will eliminate any bacteria and is extremely important after cooking with raw meats like chicken and fish.

Once a month, reapply your mineral oil finish to the cutting board or butcher block to keep the wood well preserved. If your cutting board or butcher block develops an odor from onions, garlic or a pungent food, rub the surface with baking soda or lemon juice to remove the smells.