Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Predominantly straight grain with occasional wavy or interlocked patterns; tight, uniform texture suggestive of flat-sawn planks used in furniture components.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically golden or medium brown, darkening with age. Sapwood is pale yellowish-white. This sample shows a weathered, matte tan-brown appearance with subtle silvering consistent with oxidation and loss of surface oils.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; exceptional resistance to rot, termites, and fungal decay due to high natural oil and rubber content.
Common Uses
Outdoor furniture, boat building (decks and trim), high-end cabinetry, flooring, and exterior joinery.
Geographic Origin
Native to South and Southeast Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand); widely grown in plantations across tropical regions of Africa and Latin America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$30.00 - $50.00 per board foot depending on grade and origin (FEQ - First European Quality is highest).
Wood Age Estimate
The furniture piece's construction and surface oxidation suggest the wood is approximately 20 to 40 years old, showing signs of previous finishing that has been stripped or worn away.
Sustainability Status
Not CITES listed; classified as 'Endangered' on the IUCN Red List for wild populations; FSC-certified plantation teak is the industry standard for sustainable sourcing.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though its high silica content has a significant dulling effect on cutting edges. Glues well if surface oils are wiped with solvent first.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly cut; oily or greasy feel to the touch; high silica content and natural rubber make it waterproof and slip-resistant.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or Danish oil to maintain the natural color; alternatively, it can be left unfinished to weather to a silver-grey or sealed with a clear polyurethane for indoor use.
Identification Confidence
High; the visible grain structure, characteristic honey-to-tan color of aged raw teak, and the specific joinery/component shapes typical of mid-century or tropical outdoor furniture are diagnostic.