Teak (likely Burmese or Plantation-grown)
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to wavy or slightly interlocked grain; some pieces show a flat-sawn cathedral figure on the face with a coarse, open-pored texture.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a golden or medium brown, darkening with age. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-white, clearly demarcated from heartwood. This sample shows prominent dark brown streaks and a naturally oily/matte luster.
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 silica content.
Common Uses
Boat building, outdoor furniture, decking, high-end cabinetry, window frames, and exterior trim.
Geographic Origin
Native to South and Southeast Asia (Myanmar, India, Thailand); widely grown on plantations in Africa and Latin America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$25.00 to $50.00 per board foot depending on source, grain quality, and certification (Burmese Teak remains significantly more expensive).
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent/fresh-cut lumber. The lack of graying (oxidation) and the sharpness of the mechanical saw marks suggest pieces cut within the last 12-24 months.
Sustainability Status
Natural-grown Burmese Teak is restricted/highly regulated due to environmental and political sanctions; Plantation-grown Teak is widely available and FSC certified.
Workability
Generally easy to work but has a high silica content that dulls tool edges rapidly. Glues well if surface oils are wiped with solvent prior to bonding; excellent for turning and finishing.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly cut; 'greasy' or oily feel to the touch; high weather resistance makes it stable in varying humidity.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil is the standard to maintain color; can also be left unfinished to age to a silver-grey. Film-forming finishes like polyurethane may struggle with adhesion due to natural oils.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of golden-brown color with dark streak highlights, characteristic end-grain ring porosity visible in the stack, and the 'waxy' surface texture is classic for Tectona grandis.