Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with occasional waviness. The sample shown features a visible flat-sawn cathedral pattern and a coarse, uneven texture with open pores.
Color Description
Heartwood is a golden to medium brown, darkening with age. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-white. It has a dull to medium luster and contains natural oils that give it a slightly greasy feel.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Exceptional resistance to rot, fungal decay, and termites due to high natural oil and silica content. Extremely weather-resistant.
Common Uses
Boat building (decks and trim), outdoor furniture, high-end flooring, exterior joinery, veneer, and small turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Native to South and Southeast Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand); widely grown in plantations across tropical regions in Africa and Latin America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Ranges from $30.00 to $50.00 per board foot for high-quality, old-growth or FEQ (First European Quality) grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively young lumber (processed within the last 1-5 years) based on its light golden color and lack of significant oxidation or UV-induced darkening.
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List: Endangered (wild populations), but widely available as plantation-grown wood. Not currently CITES listed, though some regional restrictions apply.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, but the high silica content (up to 1.4%) has a severe dulling effect on cutting edges. Glues can be difficult due to natural surface oils.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly cut. High silica content provides slip resistance for boat decks. High natural oil content makes it naturally water-repellent.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil is the standard choice to maintain the natural color. If gluing or film-finishing, the surface must be wiped with a solvent (like acetone) to remove surface oils first.
Identification Confidence
High. The characteristic golden-brown hue, oily surface texture, and the specific open-pore structure visible in the grain strongly indicate Tectona grandis.