Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight grain, occasionally wavy or interlocked; flat-sawn with visible cathedral arches and a coarse, uneven texture.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically golden or medium brown, darkening with age. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-white. It features a dull luster and feels slightly oily or greasy to the touch.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; exceptional resistance to rot, termites, and weathering due to high natural oil and silica content.
Common Uses
Boat building (decks and trim), outdoor furniture, flooring, veneer, cabinetry, and exterior construction.
Geographic Origin
Native to Southern Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand); widely grown on plantations in Africa and Latin America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
High; typically $20.00 - $40.00 per board foot depending on source and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively young/freshly milled; lacks significant UV oxidation (graying) or deep patina, showing sharp contrast between sapwood and heartwood.
Sustainability Status
Listed on the IUCN Red List as Endangered due to habitat loss; however, it is widely available from FSC-certified sustainable plantations.
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools, but the high silica content has a severe dulling effect on cutting edges; glues well despite natural oils.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly milled; high natural oil content prevents rust on metal fittings; known as the benchmark for stability and weather resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or tung oil are preferred to maintain the natural look; if film-finishing, surface oils must be wiped with an organic solvent like acetone first.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of golden-brown color, distinct sapwood line, coarse texture, and characteristic oily appearance is hallmark of Tectona grandis.