Teak (likely Asian Hardwood / Teak or Acacia)
Tectona grandis (or Acacia spp.) · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Origin
- Native to South and Southeast Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia); widely grown on tropical plantations globally.
- Hardness
- 1,070 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Very Durable. Naturally resistant to water, decay, fungi, and insect attack due to high natural oil content.
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Grain Pattern
Wavy and slightly interlocked grain following the carved contour of the spoon, featuring subtle figure, fine end-grain pore structure visible in cross-section cuts, and natural growth ring variation.
Color & Appearance
Warm golden-brown to honey-amber heartwood with rich golden-yellow highlights, subtle dark mineral streaks, and good natural luster with mild chatoyance.
Hardness (Janka)
1,070 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable. Naturally resistant to water, decay, fungi, and insect attack due to high natural oil content.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $10.00 - $18.00 per board foot (standard lumber); finished hand-carved utensils typically retail for $15 - $35.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Finished product crafted from lumber estimated at 15–30 years of tree growth; item condition indicates recent manufacture to a few years old with minimal oil oxidation.
- Sustainability Status
- IUCN Endangered (wild populations in native ranges like Myanmar due to deforestation); widely available from sustainably managed FSC-certified plantation sources.
Common Uses
Utensils, bowls, cutting boards, boat building, outdoor furniture, high-end cabinetry, and wood turning.
Geographic Origin
Native to South and Southeast Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia); widely grown on tropical plantations globally.
Workability
Turns and carves smoothly with sharp hand tools, cuts cleanly across end-grain, sands to a high smooth finish, though natural silica content can dull cutting edges over time.
Finish Recommendations
Food-grade mineral oil, beeswax finish, or walnut oil. Re-application of food-safe board butter or mineral oil periodically is recommended to prevent drying out.
Notable Features
Water-resistant properties due to natural oily resins, smooth warm tactile feel, food-safe characteristics when cured, and a faint pleasant leather-like scent when freshly worked.
