Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Generally straight to slightly interlocked with a coarse, uneven texture. The sample shows a flat-sawn orientation with some visible vessel lines.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically golden or medium brown, darkening with age. Sapwood is pale yellowish-white. This sample shows a weathered, oxidized brown with significant surface mineral/calcium buildup (white spotting).
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Exceptional resistance to rot, fungal decay, and termites due to high natural oil content.
Common Uses
Outdoor furniture, boat building (decks), flooring, veneer, and exterior joinery.
Geographic Origin
Native to South and Southeast Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand); widely grown in plantations across tropical regions in Africa and Latin America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$30.00 - $50.00 per board foot for high-quality FEQ (First European Quality) Burmese teak.
Wood Age Estimate
Estimated 20-40 years based on the heavy oxidation, surface wear, and the accumulation of what appears to be efflorescence or finish degradation.
Sustainability Status
Listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to population reduction in native stands. CITES Appendix II (for populations in Laos). FSC certified plantation teak is preferred.
Workability
Generally easy to work, though high silica content has a significant dulling effect on cutting edges. Glues well only on freshly sanded surfaces due to natural oils.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly cut. High oil and silica content makes it naturally water-repellent and slip-resistant.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or tung oil to maintain the natural look. If used indoors, lacquer or polyurethane can be used but usually requires a solvent wipe (acetone) to remove surface oils first.
Identification Confidence
Medium. The color, visible pore structure, and characteristic weathering/white spotting are highly indicative of Tectona grandis, though the surface contamination obscuring the grain prevents a high-confidence rating.