Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Straight to wavy with a coarse, uneven texture. Surfaces often display a characteristic oily or waxy feel with occasional darker streaks.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a golden or medium brown, darkening with age and sun exposure. Sapwood is a pale yellowish brown. The sample shows significant oxidation and some grayish weathering.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Excellent resistance to rot, termites, and fungal decay; highly resistant to weathering due to high natural oil content.
Common Uses
Outdoor furniture, boat building (especially decking), exterior joinery, flooring, veneer, and high-end cabinetry.
Geographic Origin
Native to South and Southeast Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand); widely grown on plantations across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$30.00 to $50.00 per board foot (subject to grade and origin; Burmese Teak is more expensive than plantation varieties).
Wood Age Estimate
Post-harvest age 5-15 years based on the heavy oxidation, surface checking (cracking), and presence of industrial grime/staining.
Sustainability Status
Listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to population reduction; native stands are increasingly restricted. FSC-certified plantation teak is available.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, but the high silica content (up to 1.4%) has a severe dulling effect on cutting edges. Glues well despite natural oils if surfaces are freshly prepared with solvent.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly cut. Naturally greasy feel and high silica content. One of the few woods suitable for marine environments without treatment.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or Danish oil are preferred to maintain the natural look. If used indoors, lacquer or polyurethane can be used, but surface oils must be wiped with mineral spirits or acetone immediately before application.
Identification Confidence
Medium. The oily luster, coarse texture, golden-brown hue under oxidation, and typical checking pattern are characteristic of Teak, though some species of Iroko or Cumaru can appear similar in rough-sawn form.