Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, though can occasionally be wavy or interlocked. The sample shows distinct, coarse growth rings consistent with flat-sawn teak.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a golden or medium brown, darkening with age. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-white. It often possesses a dull luster and feels oily to the touch.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Exceptional resistance to rot, termites, and weathering due to high natural oil content.
Common Uses
Ship and boatbuilding (especially decking), exterior furniture, flooring, cabinetry, veneer, and high-end joinery.
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
$25.00 - $50.00 per board foot depending on source, grain quality, and CITES compliance.
Wood Age Estimate
The golden-brown patina and darkening of the growth rings suggest a seasoned sample, likely 2-5 years post-processing, though the tree itself was likely 30-50 years old.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices, but native populations are under pressure. FSC-certified plantation teak is the most sustainable option.
Workability
Generally easy to work, but high silica content significantly dulls cutting edges. Glues better when surfaces are wiped with a solvent to remove surface oils.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly cut. High oil and silica content. It is one of the most stable timbers in the world regarding moisture movement.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil is standard to replenish natural oils; however, it can be left unfinished to weather to a silver-grey. Lacquers may require a sealer to prevent oil bleed.
Identification Confidence
High. The combination of the golden-brown color, oily texture visible in the grain, and the specific ring porosity shown in the end grain is diagnostic for Tectona grandis.