Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Characteristic wavy and interlocking grain with a prominent cathedral figure on the flatsawn surface; contains visible growth ring lines that create a marbled effect.
Color Description
Golden to medium brown heartwood that darkens with age; features distinct lighter tan streaks and a natural waxy/matte luster; sapwood is typically a pale yellowish-white.
Hardness Rating
1070-1150 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to rot, termites, and fungal decay due to high natural oil and silica content; exceptional weather resistance.
Common Uses
Premium outdoor furniture, boat building (decks and trim), high-end cabinetry, exterior construction, veneer, and flooring.
Geographic Origin
Native to South and Southeast Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand); widely grown on plantations in Africa and Latin America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$30.00 to $50.00 per board foot for high-quality FEQ (First European Quality) material.
Wood Age Estimate
Estimated 10-20 years since harvest based on the moderate oxidation and patina development; raw texture suggests it may be a more recent cut or reclaimed piece.
Sustainability Status
IUCN status: Endangered (for native forests in Myanmar); FSC-certified plantation teak is widely available and more sustainable.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though the high silica content can dull cutting edges rapidly; finishes and glues best after wiping with a solvent to remove surface oils.
Notable Features
Distinctive leathery scent when freshly cut; tactile oily feel; high silica content and high natural oil concentration provides natural water repellency.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or tung oil to maintain natural appearance; can be left unfinished to weather to a silver-gray; epoxies or specialized primers needed for film finishes due to oils.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; identifying based on the specific wavy grain pattern, oily surface texture, and the distinct golden-brown color spectrum typical of Tectona grandis.