Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Straight to wavy grain, sometimes interlocked. Coarse texture with a characteristic oily feel and dull luster.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a golden or medium brown that darkens with age. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-white. It often features dark streaks and a matte finish due to natural oils.
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.
Common Uses
Boat building (decks and trim), exterior furniture, high-end interior flooring, cabinetry, and exterior construction.
Geographic Origin
Native to Southern Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand); widely grown on plantations throughout tropical regions of Africa and Latin America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$30.00 - $50.00 per board foot for high-quality Burmese Teak; Plantation-grown is slightly less.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample shows significant oxidation and surface weathering, suggesting it is likely reclaimed or from a structure at least 10-20 years old.
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List: Endangered (Wild stocks). CITES: Not listed. FSC certification is available for plantation-grown timber.
Workability
Generally easy to work but high silica content causes rapid dulling of cutting edges. Glues well despite natural oils if surface is pre-cleaned with solvent.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly cut. Very high equilibrium moisture stability and natural water repellency.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or penetrating sealers are preferred; surface oils can interfere with film-building finishes like lacquer unless properly solvent-wiped.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High. The visible oily surface texture, specific golden-brown oxidation, and coarse grain structure are characteristic of Tectona grandis.