Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with occasional waviness; medium-coarse texture with an oily feel and visible longitudinal streaks.
Color Description
Heartwood is a golden brown when fresh, aging to a dark chocolate brown or silvery grey if left weathered; sapwood is pale yellowish-white.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; exceptionally resistant to termite attack, rot, and fungal decay due to high natural oil content.
Common Uses
Boat building (decks, trim), outdoor furniture, high-end cabinetry, exterior construction, and flooring.
Geographic Origin
Native to Southern Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand); widely grown in plantations throughout Tropical Africa and Latin America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
25.00 to 50.00 USD per board foot depending on grade and origin.
Wood Age Estimate
30-50 years based on deep oxidation patinas and surface weathering visible in the grain texture.
Sustainability Status
Vulnerable (IUCN); trade of wild Burmese Teak is heavily restricted, though plantation-grown Teak is widely available and FSC certified.
Workability
Generally easy to work but contains high silica content which rapidly dulls cutting edges; glues and finishes best after surface oils are wiped with solvent.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly cut; exceptionally high silica and natural oil content provides unmatched weather resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or penetrating sealers are preferred; polyurethane can be used if surface is first cleaned with mineral spirits or acetone.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the coarse, oily grain structure and characteristic golden-brown to greyish surface oxidation are hallmarks of aged Teak.