Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy; coarse texture with a perceptible oily feel. Exhibits an open-grain structure with prominent vessel lines.
Color Description
Heartwood is a golden or medium brown, darkening with age. Sapwood is pale yellowish-white. It features various streaks of darker brown and a dull to moderate luster.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; exceptionally resistant to rot, termites, and weathering due to high natural oil and silica content.
Common Uses
Boat building (decks and trim), outdoor furniture, high-end cabinetry, flooring, and exterior carpentry.
Geographic Origin
Native to Southern Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand); widely grown on plantations throughout tropical regions in Africa and Latin America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$30.00 - $50.00 per board foot depending on source and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Recently milled sample; the surface shows minimal oxidation and sharp edges suggest it has not been weathered or aged long in its current form.
Sustainability Status
Generally available as FSC-certified; wild Teak from Myanmar is subject to significant trade restrictions and CITES-like scrutiny due to deforestation.
Workability
Generally easy to work but high silica content has a severe dulling effect on cutting edges. Glues well despite natural oils if surfaces are pre-cleaned with solvent.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly cut; naturally high in silica and oily resins which provide waterproof characteristics.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or Danish oil to preserve natural appearance; if film finishes like varnish are used, the wood surface must be wiped with acetone to ensure adhesion.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the coarse open grain, golden-brown hue, and visible natural oiliness is characteristic of Tectona grandis.