Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Generally straight to slightly interlocked with a coarse, uneven texture. Displays prominent growth rings and can exhibit occasional wavy figure or streaks of darker color.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a golden or medium brown which darkens with age; sapwood is a pale yellowish-white. It often shows a dull luster and feels oily or greasy to the touch due to natural oils.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Exceptional resistance to rot, termites, and fungal decay; highly weather-resistant even in marine environments.
Common Uses
Boat building (decks and trim), exterior furniture, high-end flooring, cabinetry, veneer, and turnery.
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 - $50.00 per board foot depending on source, grain quality, and certified status.
Wood Age Estimate
The visible oxidation and surface patina suggest a mature sample, likely from a finished piece of furniture or architectural trim aged between 10-25 years.
Sustainability Status
Listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to population declines in native forests; plantation-grown wood is widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Generally easy to work but high silica content causes significant dulling of tool edges. Glues well despite natural oils if surfaces are wiped with a solvent like acetone first.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like odor when freshly cut; exceptionally high natural oil and silica content; excellent dimensional stability when seasoned.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or Danish oil to maintain natural appearance; can be left unfinished to weather to a silver-grey or sealed with lacquer if properly cleaned.
Identification Confidence
High. The combination of the coarse grain, rich golden-brown hue, characteristic oily texture visible in the fibers, and large vessel pores is diagnostic of Tectona grandis.