Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Typically straight to slightly wavy grain with an oily, coarse texture; shows open-pored cathedral figure in flat-sawn sections. Large vessels are visible as dark streaks along the grain.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a golden or medium brown, darkening with age and light exposure to a rich tawny brown. Sapwood is a pale yellowish white. It features a medium luster and can appear dull due to high silica content.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; exceptionally resistant to rot, termites, and weathering due to its high natural oil and rubber content.
Common Uses
Decks of boats and yachts, outdoor furniture, high-end cabinetry, exterior construction, flooring, and veneer.
Geographic Origin
Native to Southern Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand); widely grown on plantations in Africa and Latin America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$30.00 to $50.00 per board foot depending on grade and source (FEQ grade).
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled or rough-cut from mature stock; the surface shows recent mechanical abrasions and dust fibers consistent with industrial processing rather than historical aging.
Sustainability Status
Natural-grown teak is increasingly rare; listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List (especially Burmese Teak). Plantation-grown teak is more sustainable and often FSC certified.
Workability
Generally good workability with tools, though its high silica content has a severe dulling effect on cutting edges. Glues and finishes can be difficult due to natural oils; surface requires solvent wiping (acetone) before bonding.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly cut. Contains high levels of natural rubber and silica. Known for being extremely oily to the touch.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or tung oil to enhance natural color; if gluing or using film-forming finishes like lacquer or poly, the wood must be wiped with an oil-reducing solvent first.
Identification Confidence
High; the distinctive golden-brown color, coarse open-pored texture, and characteristic oily residue/fuzz on the rough-milled surface are classic indicators of Tectona grandis (Teak).