Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with occasional waviness; coarse and uneven texture with a distinct oily feel.
Color Description
Heartwood is a golden or medium brown, darkening with age and light exposure. Sapwood is pale yellowish-white. Often features dark streaks and a dulling luster due to high oil content.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; exceptional resistance to rot, fungal decay, and termites due to high natural oil and silica content.
Common Uses
Marine applications (boat building/decks), outdoor furniture, high-end cabinetry, exterior construction, and veneer.
Geographic Origin
Native to Southeast Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand); widely grown on plantations in tropical regions of Africa and Latin America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Between $25.00 and $45.00 per board foot depending on source and grade (FEQ).
Wood Age Estimate
Milled lumber; oxidation suggests it is at least several years old but shows modern tool marks and profiling.
Sustainability Status
Not CITES listed; classified as Endangered (IUCN) in native forests, but widely available from FSC-certified plantations.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though high silica content can significantly dull cutting edges; glues well if surfaces are wiped with solvent first to remove oils.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly cut; exceptionally high natural oil content and silica; high dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for natural oils (teak oil) or left unfinished to weather to a silver-gray; film-forming finishes like lacquer can fail due to surface oils.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; identified by characteristic golden-brown hue, coarse texture, and the specific profile visible which is common in marine or exterior decking applications.