Teak
Tectona grandis · Exotic/Tropical
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical
- Origin
- South and Southeast Asia (primarily India, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Thailand); widely planted in tropical tree plantations globally.
- Hardness
- 1070 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Very Durable. Excellent resistance to rot, decay, termites, and other insects.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy or interlocked grain with a medium to coarse texture; features some flat-sawn cathedral patterns and minor knots.
Color & Appearance
Golden to medium brown, often with dark brown or black streaks. The color tends to darken with age upon exposure to sunlight due to oxidation of natural oils.
Hardness (Janka)
1070 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable. Excellent resistance to rot, decay, termites, and other insects.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $15 to $30+ per board foot depending on grade, source, and certification.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Relatively modern plantation-grown wood, approximately 5 to 20 years old based on appearance and grain structure.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices or IUCN Red List for plantation-grown timber, though wild-harvested Asian teak can face restrictions and high conservation concern.
Common Uses
Boat building, yacht decking, outdoor furniture, indoor fine furniture, flooring, carvings, and turning.
Geographic Origin
South and Southeast Asia (primarily India, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Thailand); widely planted in tropical tree plantations globally.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though its high natural oil content and silica presence can blunt cutting edges relatively quickly. Glues and finishes well despite oils.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or penetrating oils are traditionally used to maintain its color; can also be left unfinished to weather to a silvery-gray patina. Special preparation (wiping down with a solvent like acetone) may be needed before gluing or finishing to remove surface oils.
Notable Features
Contains natural oils and rubber that give it a leather-like scent when freshly cut and make it exceptionally weather-resistant and dimensionally stable.
