Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood (reclaimed)
Grain Pattern
Straight to interlocked grain with a prominent cathedral figure on the flat-sawn face; coarse, uneven texture with large open pores.
Color Description
Golden to medium brown heartwood, darkening with age. The sample shows a weathered, grayish patina on the upper section and deeper brown tones in the cathedral grain. Sapwood is typically pale yellowish-white and clearly demarcated.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; exceptional resistance to rot, termites, and fungal decay due to high natural oil and rubber content.
Common Uses
Marine applications (boat decking), outdoor furniture, high-end flooring, exterior joinery, and reclaimed architectural elements.
Geographic Origin
Native to South and Southeast Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos); widely grown on plantations in Africa and Latin America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Relatively high; $25.00 - $40.00 per board foot for high-quality or reclaimed Burmese Teak; plantation teak is lower (approx. $15.00 - $20.00).
Wood Age Estimate
30-50+ years; based on the presence of old fastener holes, surface oxidation, and internal structural checking, this appears to be reclaimed material from an old structure or deck.
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List: Endangered (wild populations); CITES Appendix II (limited populations); FSC certification is common for plantation-grown stock.
Workability
Generally easy to work but high silica content causes moderate to severe dulling on steel cutters (carbide is recommended). Glues reasonably well despite oils if surface is wiped with solvent first.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like odor when freshly cut; greasy/oily feel to the touch. Contains high amounts of silica and natural rubber, making it water-repellent and slip-resistant.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or tung oil to preserve natural color; can be left unfinished to weather to a silver-gray. If varnishing, use a high-quality marine spar varnish after dewaxing the surface.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of large vessel pores, prominent cathedral grain pattern, distinct oily sheen, and characteristic behavior of reclaimed teak boards is very specific to Tectona grandis.