Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, occasionally wavy or interlocked with a coarse, uneven texture and a distinct oily feel.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically golden or medium brown, darkening with age. Sapwood is pale yellowish-white. It possesses a dull luster due to high oil content.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot, termites, and weathering due to high natural oil and silica content.
Common Uses
Boat building, outdoor furniture, flooring, veneer, carvings, and high-end cabinetry.
Geographic Origin
Native to Southern Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand); extensively grown on plantations in Africa and Latin America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$30.00 to $50.00 per board foot depending on grade and origin.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears recently turned but from matured stock, showing light surface oxidation typical of freshly machined heartwood.
Sustainability Status
Not CITES listed; IUCN status varies by region but generally considered Vulnerable in the wild. Widely available via FSC-certified plantations.
Workability
Generally easy to work but contains high silica, which rapidly dulls tool blades. Glues well with proper surface preparation to remove surface oils.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly cut. High silica content provides natural slip-resistance. Highly stable with low shrinkage rates.
Finish Recommendations
Best left unfinished for outdoor use, or treated with teak oil. For indoor items, lacquer or varnish works if surfaces are wiped with solvent first.
Identification Confidence
High. The visible grain texture, Ring-porous structure visible on the rim, characteristic golden-brown hue, and visible oiliness on the turned surface are diagnostic of Teak.