Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with occasional wavy patterns and a flat-sawn cathedral figure visible in the center; medium to coarse texture with large pores.
Color Description
Heartwood is a golden brown to tawny yellowish-brown; sapwood is pale yellowish-white. It darkens significantly with age and light exposure, developing a rich, dark patina. It characteristically has a dull luster due to high oil content.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Exceptionally resistant to rot, termites, and fungal decay; highly weather-resistant due to natural oils and silica content.
Common Uses
Boat building (decks and trim), high-end outdoor furniture, flooring, veneer, cabinetry, and exterior construction.
Geographic Origin
Native to Southern Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand); widely grown in plantations across tropical regions in Africa and Latin America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$25.00 - $45.00 per board foot depending on source and quality (FEQ grade).
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively fresh milled/surface rough; minimal oxidation or patina suggesting it was recently exposed or processed within the last 1-2 years.
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List status: Endangered (Native forests); widely available as FSC-certified plantation-grown timber.
Workability
Generally easy to work but high silica content significantly dulls tool edges. Glues well only when surfaces are freshly sanded or wiped with a solvent to remove natural oils.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like odor when freshly cut; greasy or oily feel to the touch; high silica and oil content provides natural water repelling properties.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or Danish oil to maintain color; marine-grade varnish for high-exposure areas. Often left unfinished to weather to a silver-grey patina.
Identification Confidence
High; the golden-brown color, distinct coarse texture, oily appearance, and characteristic flat-sawn cathedral grain are diagnostic of Tectona grandis.