Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy grain with a coarse, uneven texture. The sample shows a flat-sawn face with some mild interlocking and prominent longitudinal streaks typical of high-oil tropical woods.
Color Description
Heartwood is a golden brown to yellowish brown, which darkens to a deep chocolate brown with age. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-white. It possesses a dull to moderate luster and a characteristically oily surface.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Exceptional resistance to rot, termites, and fungal decay due to high natural oil content.
Common Uses
Marine applications (boat decking and trim), high-end outdoor furniture, interior flooring, cabinetry, joinery, and veneer.
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
Approximately $25.00 to $45.00 per board foot depending on grade and origin (Burmese Teak fetches higher prices than plantation-grown).
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears to be modern kiln-dried plantation stock, likely harvested within the last 5-10 years, showing minimal UV oxidation or patina.
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List status: Endangered (in the wild). CITES: Not listed, but export bans exist in Myanmar. FSC certification is available for plantation-grown stock.
Workability
Generally easy to work but contains high levels of silica which rapidly dulls cutting edges. Glues well despite oily nature if surfaces are wiped with solvent prior to bonding.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like odor when freshly cut; heavy natural oils that provide weather resistance; high silica content causes a gritty feel to the dust.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or tung oil are preferred to enhance natural beauty. Film-forming finishes like polyurethane can be problematic due to natural surface oils unless pre-cleaned with acetone.
Identification Confidence
High. The characteristic golden-brown hue, oily sheen, coarse grain structure, and typical ring-porous vessel arrangement visible on the end-grain are hallmarks of Tectona grandis.