Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a coarse, uneven texture and a slightly oily or waxy feel. Occasional interlocked grain may be present, but the sample shows a consistent, linear flat-sawn to rift-sawn orientation.
Color Description
Heartwood is a golden or medium brown, darkening with age to a deeper reddish-brown. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-white. This sample shows high luster under the finish with characteristic golden-brown tones.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Teak is renowned for its high oil content and silica, providing exceptional resistance to rot, termites, and fungal decay even in wet environments.
Common Uses
Outdoor furniture, boat building (decks and trim), high-end indoor furniture, veneer, flooring, and exterior joinery.
Geographic Origin
Native to Southern Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand); widely grown on plantations across tropical regions in Africa and Latin America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$25.00 to $45.00 per board foot depending on grade, origin (FEQ - First European Quality), and width.
Wood Age Estimate
The wood appears to be from modern production (likely vintage 20-40 years) based on the clear, uniform grain and the style of the finish, which has developed a slight amber patina.
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List: Endangered (Wild populations). Not CITES listed, but strictly regulated in Myanmar (Burmese Teak). Plantation-grown Teak is widely available and often FSC certified.
Workability
Generally easy to work but contains silica which rapidly dulls tool edges. Glues moderately well despite high oil content; wiping with solvent before gluing is recommended.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly cut. Contains natural oils that make it water-resistant and silica that acts as a natural abrasive. Highly stable with minimal shrinkage.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or Danish oil are preferred to enhance natural beauty. If film-building finishes like polyurethane are used, the wood must be degreased with acetone first to ensure adhesion.
Identification Confidence
High. The combination of the rich golden-brown color, specific coarse pore structure visible in the grain, and the visible oily sheen through the finish are diagnostic for Tectona grandis.