Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy with prominent cathedral figure in flat-sawn sections; coarse, uneven texture with oily feel.
Color Description
Naturally golden to medium brown; heartwood silvers to a weathered gray-tinged patina when exposed to UV and rain, as seen in this exterior sample.
Hardness Rating
1070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; exceptional resistance to rot, termites, and fungal decay due to high natural oil and silica content.
Common Uses
Outdoor furniture, boat decking, marine applications, high-end exterior joinery, and flooring.
Geographic Origin
Native to Southern Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand); widely grown in plantations across tropical regions of Africa and Latin America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$30.00 - $50.00 per board foot depending on grade and origin (FEQ - First European Quality).
Wood Age Estimate
Estimated 5 to 10 years of outdoor exposure based on the silver-gray oxidation and surface checking (small cracks).
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List: Endangered (Wild); CITES: Not listed; FSC certified plantation-grown teak is commonly available.
Workability
Generally easy to work but high silica content causes significant blunting of cutting edges; glues well if surface oils are wiped with solvent.
Notable Features
Ends have a distinct leather-like scent when freshly cut; rich in natural resins and silica; very stable with low shrinkage rates.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or penetrating sealers to maintain color; can be left unfinished to weather naturally to a silver-gray.
Identification Confidence
High; the weathering pattern, cathedral grain, surface checking, and applications as a large outdoor table are classic indicators of Teak.