Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a coarse, open-pored texture; occasionally wavy or interlocked. Exhibits a flat-sawn cathedral appearance in some areas with visible longitudinal vessel lines.
Color Description
Heartwood is a golden or medium brown that darkens with age. Sapwood is a pale yellowish white. It often has dark streaks (mineral streaks) and a dull luster due to high natural oil content.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to rot, fungi, and termites due to high natural oil and silica content. Excellent weathering characteristics.
Common Uses
Mid-century modern furniture (Danish Modern), boat building, outdoor decking, high-end cabinetry, and veneer.
Geographic Origin
Native to South and Southeast Asia; widely cultivated in 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 Burmese teak; plantation-grown is typically lower.
Wood Age Estimate
30 to 60 years. The 'Made in Denmark' stamp and the oxidation of the lacquer suggest a vintage mid-century modern piece from the 1960s or 1970s.
Sustainability Status
Vulnerable (IUCN Red List). Natural-growth Burmese teak is highly restricted; plantation-grown teak is often FSC certified and more sustainable.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though high silica content can dull cutting edges quickly. Glues well if surface oils are removed with a solvent first.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly cut. Heavy accumulation of natural oils and waxes gives it a greasy feel and exceptional water resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or Danish oil are preferred to maintain the natural look. Lacquer was common for 'Made in Denmark' furniture of this era but can brittle over decades.
Identification Confidence
High. The golden-brown color, large open pores, and the 'Made in Denmark' stamp are definitive markers for Teak veneer used in mid-century Danish furniture.