Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy; coarse, uneven texture with a oily or greasy feel; occasionally features dark streaks or interlocking grain.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically golden or medium brown, darkening with age to a rich, dark brown. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-white. It exhibits a dull luster.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; exceptional resistance to rot, fungal decay, and termites due to high natural oil and silica content.
Common Uses
Boat building (decks and trim), outdoor furniture, high-end interior joinery, flooring, veneer, and turnery.
Geographic Origin
Native to South and Southeast Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand); extensively grown on plantations throughout tropical regions in Africa and the Americas.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$30.00 - $50.00 per board foot for high-quality, old-growth or plantation-certified lumber.
Wood Age Estimate
Unknown from image alone, but surface shows signs of oxidation and possible weathering consistent with several years of exposure.
Sustainability Status
Listed on the IUCN Red List as Endangered; CITES Appendix II listing applies to some populations. FSC certified teak is widely sought after.
Workability
Generally easy to work but high silica content causes significant dulling of cutting edges; glues well despite oils if surfaces are wiped with solvent first.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly cut; high natural oil content; presence of silica; stays stable in varying moisture conditions.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or tung oil are preferred to maintain natural appearance; can be left unfinished to weather to a silver-gray patina.
Identification Confidence
Medium; the visible fibrous texture, golden-brown hue, and tell-tale longitudinal streaks are highly characteristic of Teak, though some species of Iroko or Cumaru can appear similar.