Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a coarse, uneven texture and visible large pores; may occasionally show wavy or interlocked patterns; presence of distinct growth rings.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically golden or medium brown, darkening with age to a richer brown; sapwood is pale yellowish-white. It often features a dull, muted luster due to natural oils.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; exceptional resistance to rot, termites, and weathering due to high natural oil and rubber content.
Common Uses
Boat building (decks and trim), exterior furniture, high-end cabinetry, flooring, veneer, and outdoor joinery.
Geographic Origin
Native to South and Southeast Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand); widely grown on plantations in Africa and Latin America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$25.00 - $45.00 per board foot, depending on grain quality and regional source.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears recently processed with fresh saw marks, likely less than 5 years since harvesting and milling.
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List: Endangered (due to wild population decline); CITES: Not listed; FSC certified plantation teak is commonly available and preferred.
Workability
Generally easy to work but contains high silica content which rapidly dulls cutting edges; glues and finishes can be difficult due to natural oils.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly cut; oily feel to the touch; high natural rubber and silica content provides unparalleled water resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or tung oil are recommended to enhance natural resins; if gluing or lacquering, surfaces should first be wiped with a solvent like acetone to remove surface oils.
Identification Confidence
High; the open-pore structure, characteristic gold-brown hue, oily sheen, and visible growth rings are diagnostic of commercial Tectona grandis.