Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Generally straight to slightly wavy grain with a coarse, uneven texture. Occasional interlocked grain is present, leading to a visible but subtle figure on flat-sawn surfaces.
Color Description
Heartwood is a golden to medium brown, darkening with age and light exposure to a richer deep brown. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-white. It features a dull to medium luster and a characteristically oily surface feel.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Renowned for its exceptional resistance to rot, fungal decay, and termites due to its high natural oil and silica content.
Common Uses
Marine applications (boat building and decking), outdoor furniture, high-end indoor furniture, exterior joinery, flooring, and veneers.
Geographic Origin
Native to South and Southeast Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand); widely grown on plantations across tropical regions in Africa and Latin America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$40.00 - $65.00 per board foot depending on source (FEQ - First European Quality) and width.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears modern with moderate oxidation and a freshly surfaced or lightly weathered appearance, likely 1-5 years post-processing.
Sustainability Status
Not CITES listed; classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to native habitat loss, but widely available via FSC and PEFC certified plantations.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though high silica content can rapidly dull cutting edges. Glues well despite natural oils if surfaces are wiped with a solvent (like acetone) first. Holds nails and screws well.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like odor when freshly worked; high natural oil and silica content; greasy feel; very stable with low shrinkage rates.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or tung oil to maintain the natural look; can be left unfinished to weather to a silver-grey; requires degreasing with mineral spirits prior to applying film finishes like lacquer or polyurethane.
Identification Confidence
High. The characteristic golden-brown hue with darker streaks, coarse texture, presence of small knots, and the visible oily sheen are classic indicators of Tectona grandis.