Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy; coarse texture with a somewhat oily or greasy feel; presence of mineral deposits common.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a golden or medium brown, darkening with age and light exposure to a richer deep brown. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-white. Shows low to moderate luster.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; extremely resistant to termites and fungal decay; excellent outdoor weathering characteristics due to high natural oil content.
Common Uses
Outdoor furniture, boat building (decks and trim), flooring, cabinetry, veneer, and high-end exterior construction.
Geographic Origin
Native to Southern Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand); extensively grown in plantations across tropical regions of Africa and Latin America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Ranges from $25.00 to $45.00 per board foot for high-quality, old-growth or sustainably harvested Burmese teak.
Wood Age Estimate
Estimated 40-70 years based on heavy oxidation, surface wear, and the presence of aged patina common in reclaimed structural or furniture components.
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List: Endangered (wild populations); CITES: Not listed; FSC certified plantation sources are widely available.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, but natural silica content has a significant dulling effect on cutting edges; glues well despite natural oils if surface is prepared with solvent.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly cut; high natural oil and silica content; exceptional dimensional stability and water resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or tung oil to enhance natural color; clear polyurethane for high-wear areas; often left unfinished to weather to a silver-grey patina.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High. The visible coarse grain, golden-brown hue through surface oxidation, and characteristic weathering patterns on the edges strongly suggest Tectona grandis.