Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight to slightly interlocked with a medium to coarse texture and a characteristic oily feel
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a golden or medium brown that darkens with age; sapwood is pale yellowish-white. Often displays a dull matte luster and can exhibit dark streaks.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; exceptional resistance to rot, termites, and weathering due to high natural oil content.
Common Uses
Outdoor furniture, boat building (especially decks), flooring, high-end cabinetry, and decorative small-ware such as the dish pictured.
Geographic Origin
Native to Southern Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand); widely grown on plantations throughout tropical regions in Africa and Latin America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$30.00 - $50.00 per board foot for high-quality genuine Teak.
Wood Age Estimate
The item appears to have a developed patina and oxidation consistent with 20 to 50 years of age.
Sustainability Status
Listed in the IUCN Red List as Endangered (natural forests); however, plantation-grown Teak is widely available and FSC certified.
Workability
Generally easy to work but high silica content can dull cutting edges rapidly. Glues and finishes well despite natural oils if surfaces are pre-cleaned with a solvent.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly cut; exceptionally high silica and oily resin content providing natural water resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or Danish oil to maintain original color; clear lacquer or polyurethane for more permanent protection. Unfinished state is common for outdoor applications.
Identification Confidence
High; the golden-brown color, ring-porous grain structure visible in the segments, and the specific application of a mid-century style turned/joined tray are highly characteristic of Teak.