Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy with a coarse, uneven texture and an oily or greasy feel; occasionally features dark streaks or a mottled figure.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a golden or medium brown, darkening with age to a rich, dark brown. Sapwood is a pale yellowish white, clearly demarcated from heartwood.
Hardness Rating
1000 to 1155 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; exceptionally resistant to rot, termites, and fungal decay due to high natural oil content.
Common Uses
Boat building (especially decking), outdoor furniture, exterior construction, high-end cabinetry, and veneers.
Geographic Origin
Native to Southeast Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand); widely grown on plantations throughout Africa and Central/South America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$30.00 - $55.00 per board foot depending on source and grade (FEQ Burma Teak commands higher prices).
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly cut or planed lumber; lack of graying/oxidation suggests a recently processed sample from 20-40 year old plantation stock.
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List: Endangered (Wild populations). Plantation-grown Teak is widely available and FSC certified.
Workability
Generally easy to work but contains high silica levels that dull blades rapidly; glues and finishes well after wiping with solvent to remove surface oils.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like odor when freshly cut; high natural oil and rubber content; very high dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or Danish oil to maintain natural appearance; epoxies or specialized primers are needed if using lacquers or polyurethanes due to oils.
Identification Confidence
High; the golden-brown color, oily surface texture, and coarse grain visible on the face are characteristic of Tectona grandis.