Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Generally straight to slightly interlocked grain with a coarse, uneven texture. Some minor cathedral patterns are visible where the cut skews toward flat-sawn.
Color Description
Heartwood is a golden or medium brown that darkens with age. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-brown. The sample shows a characteristic oily luster and some dark streaks.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. High natural oil content provides exceptional resistance to rot, fungi, and termites. Excellent weathering properties.
Common Uses
Boat building (decks and trim), exterior furniture, high-end flooring, cabinetry, veneer, and turning.
Geographic Origin
Native to Southern Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand); widely grown on plantations throughout tropical regions of Africa and Latin America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$30.00 - $50.00 per board foot depending on source and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears recently Planed or sanded, likely from lumber processed within the last 1-5 years, showing minimal UV oxidation.
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List: Endangered (in the wild); however, it is widely available from sustainable FSC-certified plantations.
Workability
Generally easy to work but high silica content will dull cutting edges quickly. Glues well despite high oil content if surfaces are freshly prepared with solvent.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly cut. Naturally high oil and silica content. Feels slightly greasy or waxy to the touch.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or Danish oil to maintain natural appearance; clear lacquer or polyurethane can be used if surfaces are first wiped with acetone to remove surface oils.
Identification Confidence
High. The combination of golden-brown color, dark grain streaks, coarse texture, and characteristic oily appearance is a primary indicator of Tectona grandis.