Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, occasionally wavy or interlocked; provides a coarse, uneven texture with a distinct oily feel.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically golden or medium brown, darkening with age. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-white. It often features dark streaks and a duller luster compared to other hardwoods.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; exceptional resistance to rot, termites, and weathering due to high natural oil and silica content.
Common Uses
Outdoor furniture, boat building (especially decks), flooring, veneer, and high-end exterior joinery.
Geographic Origin
Native to Southern Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand); widely grown on plantations in Africa and Latin America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$30.00 to $50.00 per board foot for high-quality Burmese teak; plantation teak is lower.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears modern with a factory finish, likely 5-10 years old based on the uniform coloration and lack of deep silvering common in aged outdoor teak.
Sustainability Status
Listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to population reduction in native ranges; FSC certified plantation teak is widely available.
Workability
Generally easy to work but high silica content causes severe dulling of tool edges. Glues can be difficult due to natural oils; surface wiping with solvent is often required.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly cut. It has a high silica content and a naturally greasy or oily feel to the touch.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or penetrating sealers to maintain color; alternatively, left unfinished to weather to a silver-grey patina. Lacquers may have adhesion issues.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the linear grain, characteristic golden-brown hue with dark streaks, and the visible oily pore structure is diagnostic for Teak.