Teak
Tectona grandis • Hardwood / Exotic
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a coarse, uneven texture. The sample shows a typical flat-sawn face with some linear streaks and a slightly oily surface appearance.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically golden or medium brown, darkening with age. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-white. This sample shows a weathered, matte brown with characteristic dark mineral streaks.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Exceptional resistance to rot, termites, and weathering due to high natural oil and silica content.
Common Uses
Boat building (decks), outdoor furniture, exterior construction, flooring, and high-end cabinetry.
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
$30.00 to $50.00 per board foot depending on source (FEQ grade).
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears to be from a finished product with moderate age (5-15 years), indicated by the slight graying of the grain and oxidation of the natural oils.
Sustainability Status
Natural-growth teak is increasingly restricted; Plantation-grown teak is widely available and FSC certified sources are common.
Workability
Generally easy to work but contains high silica, which dulls cutting edges rapidly. Glues well only after surface oils are wiped with solvent.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly cut. High oil content makes it waterproof. Can cause skin irritation or respiratory issues in some users.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or tung oil to maintain color; alternatively, left unfinished to develop a silver-gray patina. Avoid heavy lacquers which may peel due to surface oils.
Identification Confidence
High. The combination of the golden-brown hue, large open pores, dark mineral streaks, and the specific luster is characteristic of Tectona grandis.