Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Straight grain predominantly, with occasional wavy or interlocked patterns; shows a coarse, uneven texture with distinct ring-porous cathedral figure on the flat-sawn face.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a golden or medium brown, darkening with age and light exposure to a rich deep brown. Sapwood is a pale yellowish white. It possesses a dull to moderate natural luster and a characteristic oily feel.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; exceptional resistance to rot, termites, and fungal decay due to high natural oil and rubber content.
Common Uses
Marine applications (boat decks/trim), high-end outdoor furniture, interior flooring, cabinetry, veneer, and paneling.
Geographic Origin
Native to South and Southeast Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia); widely cultivated on plantations in Africa and Latin America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$30.00 to $50.00 per board foot for high-quality genuine Burman Teak; lower for plantation-grown stock.
Wood Age Estimate
Finished furniture sample, likely 5-15 years old based on the development of the golden-brown patina and lack of deep surface oxidation/weathering.
Sustainability Status
Natural-grown Teak from Myanmar is subject to international sanctions and CITES considerations; plantation-grown Teak is widely available and FSC certified.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though high silica content can rapidly dull cutting edges. Glues well if surface oils are wiped with solvent prior to bonding.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly cut; high natural oil and rubber content makes it highly water-resistant and stable.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or Danish oil to maintain the natural appearance; can be left unfinished to weather to a silver-gray. Polyurethane is possible but requires dewaxed shellac primer.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the distinctive golden-brown cathedral grain, large open pores, and oily surface texture is characteristic of Tectona grandis.