Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to wavy grain with an oily surface texture and occasional interlocked grain fibers; typically displays a coarse, uneven texture with open pores.
Color Description
Heartwood is a golden to medium brown, darkening with age and light exposure into a rich deep brown; sapwood is a pale yellowish-white. It often possesses a dull to medium luster.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; exceptionally resistant to rot, termites, and fungal decay due to high natural oil and silica content.
Common Uses
Boat building (decks and trim), outdoor furniture, high-end flooring, exterior construction, veneer, and carving.
Geographic Origin
Native to Southern Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand); widely grown on plantations throughout tropical regions of Africa and Latin America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$30.00 - $50.00 per board foot for high-quality FEQ (First European Quality) Burmese Teak.
Wood Age Estimate
The visible oxidation and honey-gold patina suggest the wood has been exposed and seasoned for 5-10 years.
Sustainability Status
Not CITES listed; IUCN status of Endangered in the wild. Plantation-grown Teak is widely available and FSC certified sources are preferred.
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 wiped with solvent first.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly cut; heavy with natural oils that provide weather resistance; high silica content and excellent dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or tung oil are preferred to enhance natural beauty; if film-forming finishes like lacquer are used, a sealer is required to manage natural oil migration.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; identified based on the uniform golden-brown hue, characteristic oily surface sheen, and coarse, open-pored grain structure typical of Tectona species.