Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight to slightly wavy with a coarse, uneven texture. The sample shows a flat-sawn face with some mild interlocking and visible large pores typical of the species.
Color Description
Heartwood is a golden or medium brown, darkening with age. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-white. This sample shows a rich, oily golden-brown hue with moderate luster and visible darker streaks.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; exceptionally resistant to decay, termites, and weathering due to high natural oil and silica content.
Common Uses
Boat building (decks), outdoor furniture, high-end cabinetry, flooring, veneer, and small carved decorative objects.
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
$30.00 - $50.00 per board foot for high-quality FEQ (First European Quality) lumber.
Wood Age Estimate
The patina and oxidation level suggest the object is 20-50 years old, showing the classic deepening of the golden-brown color over time.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices; categorized as Endangered by the IUCN due to habitat loss, though plantation-grown FSC certified stock is widely available.
Workability
Generally easy to work but contains silica which highly dulls cutting edges. Glues well despite high oil content if surfaces are freshly sanded or wiped with solvent.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly cut. High natural oil content makes it feel slightly greasy to the touch and provides natural water resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or Danish oil to maintain natural appearance; can be left unfinished to weather to a silver-grey or finished with polyurethane for high-wear indoor items.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of large, open pores, the specific golden-brown oily patina, and the typical application for a carved decorative piece are consistent with Tectona grandis.