Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy; coarse, uneven texture with a distinct oily or greasy feel. The sample shows a flat-sawn grain with prominent earlywood and latewood bands.
Color Description
Heartwood is a golden or medium brown, darkening with age. Sapwood is pale yellowish-white. This sample shows typical weathering to a silvery-gray 'patina' where the finish has failed, with original golden-brown tones visible in protected areas.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; exceptional resistance to rot, fungal decay, and termites due to high natural oil content. Highly resistant to weathering in outdoor environments.
Common Uses
Outdoor furniture, boat building (decks and trim), exterior construction, flooring, and veneer.
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
Approximately $25.00 to $45.00 per board foot depending on source (FEQ - First European Quality) and sustainability certifications.
Wood Age Estimate
The wood appears to be roughly 5-15 years old based on the significant oxidation, UV weathering of the surface fibers, and the peeling of what looks like a neglected protective coating.
Sustainability Status
Listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to a population decline of over 30% in three generations; Burmese Teak is subject to various trade sanctions. Plantation-grown Teak is widely available and FSC certified.
Workability
Generally easy to work, though high silica content (up to 1.4%) can have a severe dulling effect on cutting edges. Glues well despite natural oils if surfaces are freshly sanded or wiped with solvent.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly cut. Contains high amounts of natural oils and silica which provide excellent water resistance and slip resistance for maritime use.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or specialized marine sealers are recommended to maintain color. If the silvery-gray weathered look is desired, it can be left unfinished. Due to surface oils, cleaning with acetone before applying film-forming finishes is necessary.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of large, open pores, oily texture, specific weathering pattern (silvering), and its application in outdoor 'rocker' slats is characteristic of Tectona grandis.
Notes
Door g rocker