Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to wavy grain with a coarse, uneven texture. Flat-sawn slats showing some cathedral patterns and typical longitudinal streaks.
Color Description
Naturally a golden to medium brown. This sample shows significant weathering to a silvery-grey patina on the surface, with some original tawny brown visible where protection remains.
Hardness Rating
1000 to 1150 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Excellent resistance to rot, termites, and fungal decay due to high natural oil content.
Common Uses
Outdoor furniture, boat decking, marine applications, exterior joinery, and high-end veneer.
Geographic Origin
Native to South and Southeast Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand); widely grown in plantations across Africa and Latin America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$30.00 to $50.00 per board foot for high-quality FEQ (First European Quality) lumber.
Wood Age Estimate
5 to 10 years of exterior exposure. Surface silvering and minor checking indicate several seasons of UV exposure and moisture cycling.
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List status: Endangered (wild); widely available as FSC-certified plantation-grown timber. CITES-listed and restricted in some regions (particularly Myanmar).
Workability
Generally easy to work but high silica content causes rapid dulling of tool edges. Glues well if surface oils are cleaned with solvent first.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly cut. High natural oil and silica content provide exceptional weather resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or penetrating sealers to maintain color; or allowed to weather naturally to grey. Avoid heavy film-forming finishes like polyurethane which may peel due to natural oils.
Identification Confidence
High. The combination of the slat-style outdoor furniture design, the specific silvery-grey weathering pattern, and the visible grain texture is characteristic of aged Teak.