Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with occasional waves or interlocked sections; displays a medium-to-large pore structure and a visible knot with tight swirl figure.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a golden or medium brown that darkens with age. The sapwood is a distinct pale yellowish-white, as seen on the edges of this sample. It has a dull to moderate luster and an oily feel.
Hardness Rating
1000 - 1150 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. High natural oil and rubber content provides excellent resistance to rot, termites, and weathering even without treatment.
Common Uses
Boat building (decks and trim), outdoor furniture, flooring, veneer, cabinetry, and high-end exterior construction.
Geographic Origin
Native to Southern Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand); widely grown on plantations throughout tropical regions in Africa and Latin America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$25.00 - $45.00 per board foot, depending on grain quality and plantation vs. old-growth origin.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled or surfaced. The bright contrast between the heartwood and sapwood suggests it has not been exposed to significant UV aging/graying.
Sustainability Status
IUCN status: Endangered (in the wild). CITES: Not listed, but heavily regulated. FSC certified plantation teak is widely available.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though high silica content can dull blades rapidly. Glues well if surface oils are wiped with solvent beforehand.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly cut; prominent oily to waxy feel; high silica content and excellent dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil is traditional to maintain color; can be left unfinished to weather to a silver-gray. Use specialized sealers if high-gloss polyurethane is desired.
Identification Confidence
High. The combination of coarse-textured golden-brown heartwood, pale sapwood, oily surface texture, and characteristic pore distribution is diagnostic of Tectona grandis.