Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a coarse, open-pore texture; some wavy or interlocked grain is visible on the curved surfaces of this turned object.
Color Description
Heartwood is a golden brown, darkening with age. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-white. This sample shows a warm, honey-gold patina with low-to-medium luster typical of older oiled teak.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; exceptional resistance to rot, fungal decay, and termites due to high natural oil content.
Common Uses
Outdoor furniture, boat building, yacht decks, high-end indoor furniture, flooring, veneer, and turned objects like this lamp base.
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
$30.00 - $50.00 per board foot for high-quality old-growth or plantation teak.
Wood Age Estimate
40-60 years old based on the mid-century modern design style, the deep oxidation of the wood, and the characteristic cracking/checking of the grain.
Sustainability Status
Listed on the IUCN Red List as Endangered in native habitats; FSC-certified plantation teak is widely available and preferred for sustainability.
Workability
Generally easy to work but contains silica which dulls blades quickly. Glues well only after surface oils are wiped with a solvent like acetone.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly cut; high natural oil and silica content; greasy feel to the touch; excellent dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or Danish oil to maintain the natural look; lacquer or polyurethane can be used if the wood is properly degreased first.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of large open pores, golden-brown color, oily surface texture, and the specific checking pattern is characteristic of Tectona grandis.