Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, though occasionally wavy or interlocked with a coarse, uneven texture and a naturally oily/greasy feel.
Color Description
Heartwood tends to be a golden or medium brown, darkening with age. Sapwood is a pale yellowish brown. It exhibits a dull luster and develops a silvery-gray patina when exposed to UV light outdoors.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot, termites, and fungal decay. Widely considered one of the most durable woods in the world for outdoor use.
Common Uses
Ship and boatbuilding (decking), exterior construction, high-end outdoor furniture, flooring, veneer, and small turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Native to South and Southeast Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand); widely grown on plantations throughout Africa and the Caribbean.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$30.00 - $50.00 per board foot for high-quality, old-growth or premium plantation timber.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent rough-sawn stock; visible oxidation suggests it has been air-drying for 1-3 years, but the fibers are fresh and haven't fully grayed.
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List status: Endangered (in wild populations). Commonly available via FSC-certified plantations, but some sources (like Myanmar) are CITES regulated or sanctioned.
Workability
Generally easy to work, but has high silica content which rapidly dulls tool edges. Glues better when surfaces are wiped with a solvent like acetone to remove natural oils.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly cut. Heavy natural oil content makes it waterproof. Can cause skin irritation or respiratory issues in some sensitive individuals.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or Danish oil is standard to replenish surface oils; can be left unfinished to weather to a silver-gray. Film finishes like lacquer require surface degreasing before application.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the coarse grain, rich golden-brown hue, and the characteristic 'fuzzy' surface fiber characteristic of rough-sawn teak are strong indicators.