Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, though occasionally wavy or interlocked with a coarse, uneven texture and a dull natural luster.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a golden or medium brown, darkening with age. Sapwood is a pale yellowish white. It often exhibits dark brown or black streaks when fresh.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; specifically renowned for its exceptional resistance to rot, termites, and fungal decay even in wet environments.
Common Uses
Outdoor furniture, boat building (especially decks), high-end indoor furniture, veneer, and paneling.
Geographic Origin
Native to South and Southeast Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia); widely grown on plantations in tropical regions of Africa and the Americas.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $25.00 - $40.00 per board foot for high-quality Burmese teak; plantation-grown is slightly lower.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern era (10-30 years); the surface shows contemporary wear and a finish that suggests a late 20th or early 21st-century manufacture.
Sustainability Status
Listed on the IUCN Red List as Endangered (natural forests). FSC-certified plantation teak is widely available and preferred for sustainability.
Workability
Generally easy to work, though high silica content can dull cutting edges quickly. Glues and finishes well, though natural oils can occasionally interfere with adhesion.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly milled; high natural oil content makes it oily to the touch and provides natural water resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or Danish oil to maintain natural appearance; film finishes (polyurethane) may require a solvent wipe-down to ensure adhesion to oily surfaces.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the golden-brown hue, large uniform slab construction, and characteristic grain streaks are classic indicators of Tectona grandis used in furniture.