Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Generally straight to occasionally wavy or interlocked; medium to coarse texture with a naturally oily or greasy feel; shows common flat-sawn cathedral patterns in this sample.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically golden or medium brown, darkening with age and light exposure to a rich brown. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-white. The surface often shows a dull luster due to high natural oil content.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; exceptional resistance to rot, termites, and fungal decay due to high natural oil and silica content; excellent weathering properties.
Common Uses
Outdoor furniture, boat building (especially decks), flooring, cabinetry, high-end joinery, and veneer.
Geographic Origin
Native to Southern Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand); widely grown on plantations throughout tropical regions in Africa and Latin America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $25.00 - $45.00 per board foot depending on source and grade (FEQ).
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears to be a modern piece of kiln-dried lumber, likely less than 10 years old since harvest, evidenced by the relatively uniform oxidation and lack of deep patina.
Sustainability Status
Listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to population reduction in native habitats; however, sustainably managed plantation-grown teak (FSC certified) is widely available.
Workability
Generally easy to work but high silica content causes significant dulling of cutting edges. Glues and finishes can be difficult due to natural oils, often requiring a solvent wipe (like acetone) before application.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly cut; feels greasy to the touch; high silica content and natural oils make it one of the most weather-resistant woods in the world.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for teak oil or no finish at all for outdoor use. For indoor use, lacquer or polyurethane can be used if the wood is dewaxed and wiped with solvent first.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the golden-brown hue, large open pores, visible oiliness, and characteristic longitudinal grain streaks is diagnostic of Tectona grandis.