Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with occasional waviness; coarse texture with a visible dull surface due to natural oils. Medium-sized open pores are present in a ring-porous to semi-ring-porous arrangement.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a golden or medium brown, darkening with age. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-white. It exhibits a natural matte luster and can have dark streaks of color variation.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; exceptional resistance to rot, termites, and fungal decay. Often considered the gold standard for decay resistance among woods.
Common Uses
Boat building (decks and trim), outdoor furniture, high-end flooring, veneer, carving, and exterior joinery.
Geographic Origin
Native to Southern Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand); extensively grown on plantations throughout tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Ranges from $30.00 to $50.00 per board foot for high-quality, old-growth or plantation lumber.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears relatively fresh or recently machined, showing minimal oxidation or UV-induced darkening, likely cut within the last 1-5 years.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, though native populations are declining; FSC-certified plantation teak is widely available.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though high silica content has a significant dulling effect on cutting edges. Glues well despite natural oils if surfaces are wiped with a solvent first.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly cut. Contains high levels of natural oils and silica, giving it a greasy feel and excellent weather resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for teak oil or no finish at all to allow for natural weathering. If film finishes like lacquer or polyurethane are used, the wood must be degreased with acetone prior to application.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High. The characteristic golden-brown color, oily texture, visible pore structure, and slight silver-gray tinting on the edges are highly indicative of Tectona grandis.