Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy with an open-pored, coarse texture and a characteristic oily or greasy feel
Color Description
Heartwood is a golden or medium brown that darkens with age; sapwood is pale yellowish-white. Often displays dark streaks and a duller luster due to high oil content
Hardness Rating
1070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; exceptional resistance to rot, termites, and weathering due to high natural oil and silica content
Common Uses
Ship and boat building (especially decks), outdoor furniture, high-end exterior joinery, flooring, and veneer
Geographic Origin
Native to Southern Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand); widely grown on plantations in Africa and Latin America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$30.00 to $50.00 per board foot for high-quality, old-growth or plantation Burma Teak
Wood Age Estimate
The visible oxidation and surface wear suggest the wood is at least several decades old or has been extensively weathered outdoors
Sustainability Status
Listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to population reduction; CITES Appendix II for certain origins (Laos); FSC certification is common for plantation-grown stock
Workability
Generally easy to work with tools, though the high silica content can rapidly dull cutting edges; glues and finishes can be difficult due to natural oils
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly cut; heavy with natural oils; very stable wood with low shrinkage rates
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or Danish oil to maintain natural appearance; if lacquering, a solvent-based sealer is required to prevent oil migration
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the golden-brown color, distinct coarse pore structure, and visible oiliness is highly characteristic of Tectona grandis