Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight grain, though occasionally wavy or interlocked. The texture is coarse and uneven with a naturally oily feel.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a golden or medium brown, darkening with age. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-white. It possesses a dull luster and can exhibit streaks of darker brown or black.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Internationally renowned for its superb resistance to rot, fungal decay, and termites due to high natural oil content.
Common Uses
Ship and boat building (decking), exterior construction, furniture (especially outdoor), veneer, carvings, and turnings.
Geographic Origin
Native to Southern Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand); extensively grown on plantations in tropical regions across Africa and Latin America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
High; typically ranges from $20.00 to $45.00 per board foot depending on grade, width, and origin (Burmese Teak is valued highest).
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly harvested logs. The bright golden-orange hue of the exposed end-grain suggests recent felling with minimal oxidation or weathering.
Sustainability Status
Not CITES listed, but IUCN lists some natural populations as endangered. FSC-certified plantation teak is widely available and preferred for sustainability.
Workability
Generally easy to work, but contains high levels of silica which causes severe dulling of cutting edges. Glues well despite natural oils if surfaces are freshly prepared.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly cut. High silica and oil content make it uniquely waterproof and resistant to corrosive elements.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or tung oil are best to preserve natural appearance. If gluing, wipe with lacquer thinner first. Avoid heavy film-forming finishes that may peel due to oil content.
Identification Confidence
Medium. Identification is based on the golden-brown end grain, characteristic bark texture seen in tropical log yards, and the context of industrial processing shown.