Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Generally straight to slightly wavy grain; texture is coarse and uneven with a distinct oily feel.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a golden or medium brown, darkening with age. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-white. It possesses a dull luster and can develop a silver-gray patina if left unfinished outdoors.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; exceptional resistance to rot, termites, and weathering due to high natural oil content.
Common Uses
Outdoor furniture, boat building (especially decking), flooring, cabinetry, veneer, and exterior construction.
Geographic Origin
Native to Southern Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand); widely grown on plantations throughout Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$30.00 to $50.00 per board foot for high-quality Burmese Teak; plantation-grown is slightly less.
Wood Age Estimate
Estimated at 5-15 years post-processing based on surface oxidation and fine checking patterns.
Sustainability Status
Not CITES listed; however, natural-grown Burmese Teak is subject to international trade sanctions and concerns. FSC-certified plantation Teak is widely available and sustainable.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though it has a high silica content which can significantly dull cutting edges. Glues well despite natural oils if surfaces are wiped with a solvent first.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly cut. Highly resistant to moisture and chemicals. Contains natural silica and rubber which contribute to its weatherproofing.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or penetrating sealers are preferred to maintain color. Can be left unfinished to weather to a silver-gray. Film-forming finishes like polyurethane may peel due to natural oils.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; identifying features include the characteristic golden-brown hue, coarse open pores, oily surface texture, and the specific linear checking patterns typical of weathered tropical hardwoods.