Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Flat-sawn with prominent cathedral figure, straight to slightly wavy and irregular grain with a coarse, uneven texture
Color Description
Medium golden brown heartwood that has weathered to a silvery-gray patina; shows dark brown/black streaks and an oily luster that dulls with UV exposure
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; exceptional resistance to rot, fungal decay, and termites due to high natural oil and rubber content
Common Uses
Outdoor furniture, boat building (decks), exterior joinery, flooring, and carvings
Geographic Origin
Native to Southern Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand); widely grown on plantations in Africa and Latin America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$30.00 - $50.00 per board foot for high-quality FEQ (First European Quality) grade
Wood Age Estimate
Post-harvest age 10-20 years based on deep silvering/oxidation and significant surface checking/cracking from exterior exposure
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List: Endangered (Wild); CITES: Not listed; FSC certified plantation teak is commonly available
Workability
Easy to work with tools but high silica content causes rapid dulling of cutting edges; glues well following surface degreasing with solvent
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly cut; heavy natural oils provide a greasy feel; excellent dimensional stability
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or tung oil to maintain color; alternatively left unfinished to weather to gray; lacquer/varnish requires solvent cleaning prior to application
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of cathedral grain, large open pores, silvery-gray weathering, and surface checking is diagnostic of exterior-exposed Teak