Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Straight to wavy with a coarse, uneven texture; features dark streaks and occasional cathedral patterns on flat-sawn surfaces
Color Description
Golden to medium brown heartwood that darkens with age; sapwood is pale yellowish-white. It often shows dark streaks and a dulling of color if left untreated outdoors
Hardness Rating
1070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; exceptionally resistant to rot, termites, and fungal decay due to high natural oil content
Common Uses
Outdoor furniture, boat building (especially decking), flooring, veneer, and high-end exterior joinery
Geographic Origin
Native to Southern Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand); extensively grown on plantations in Africa and Latin America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$30.00 - $50.00 per board foot for high-quality Burmese teak; plantation-grown is slightly less
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent manufacture (1-5 years) exhibiting fresh oil-based finish and minimal weathering or silvering
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List categorizes Teak as Endangered in some natural ranges; CITES Appendix II for some populations; FSC certified plantation teak is commercially available
Workability
Generally easy to work but contains high silica levels which dull cutting edges quickly; glues and finishes well if surface oils are wiped with solvent first
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly cut; oily feel; high weight-to-strength ratio; water-resistant natural resins
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or tung oil to maintain color; can be left unfinished to turn a silvery-gray; avoid thick film finishes like standard polyurethanes which may peel due to oils
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic golden-brown color, oily texture, dark streaks, and application in slatted outdoor furniture are hall-marks of Tectona grandis