Teak
Tectona grandis · Exotic/Tropical
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical
- Origin
- South and Southeast Asia (primarily India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Thailand), with widespread plantation cultivation globally in the tropics
- Hardness
- 1,070 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Very Durable, with exceptional resistance to decay, rot, fungi, and termite attacks due to natural oils
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Grain Pattern
Straight to wavy or interlocked grain with a coarse, uneven texture and low natural luster
Color & Appearance
Medium golden-brown to dark yellowish-brown heartwood that darkens with age and exposure to light, with a sharply demarcated pale yellowish-white sapwood
Hardness (Janka)
1,070 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable, with exceptional resistance to decay, rot, fungi, and termite attacks due to natural oils
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $15.00 to $30.00+ per board foot depending on grade, origin, and whether it is plantation or old-growth
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be moderately aged (10-30 years based on surface oxidation, wear patterns, and finish degradation)
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices or IUCN Red List for wild populations, but widely available from sustainable tropical plantations (FSC certified)
Common Uses
Boat building, yacht decking, exterior furniture, outdoor construction, flooring, carving, and turnings
Geographic Origin
South and Southeast Asia (primarily India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Thailand), with widespread plantation cultivation globally in the tropics
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though its high natural oil and silica content can cause severe blunting of cutting edges; glues and finishes well despite the natural oils
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil, penetrating finishes, or marine varnishes; requires proper surface preparation and degreasing with a solvent if natural oils are heavy on the surface before applying film-forming finishes
Notable Features
Contains natural oils and rubber that give it a unique leather-like scent when freshly cut, excellent dimensional stability, and supreme weather resistance
