Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy grain with a coarse, uneven texture. The flat-sawn boards show mild cathedral patterns and occasional dark streaks typical of the species.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a golden or medium brown, darkening with age. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-white. This sample shows signs of weathering and sanding, which has muted the natural oils and luster to a duller, pale tan/greyish brown.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Exceptional resistance to rot, fungal decay, and termites due to high natural oil and silica content.
Common Uses
Outdoor furniture, boat building (decks), flooring, veneer, and high-end exterior joinery.
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
Approximately $30.00 - $50.00 per board foot for high-quality FEQ (First European Quality) lumber.
Wood Age Estimate
The furniture piece appears to be 15-30 years old. Surface oxidation and the worn texture of the joints suggest it has been exposed to the elements or used extensively before being partially stripped/sanded.
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List: Endangered (Wild stocks). CITES: Not listed. FSC certification is widely available for plantation-grown Teak, which is the primary sustainable source.
Workability
Generally easy to work but high silica content has a severe dulling effect on cutting edges. Glues well only when surfaces are freshly sanded or wiped with a solvent to remove natural oils.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly cut. Naturally oily feel. High silica content provides excellent slip resistance and weatherproofing.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or tung oil to maintain the golden-brown color. Can be left unfinished to weather to a silver-grey patina. Polyurethane is not recommended unless a sealer specifically for oily woods is used first.
Identification Confidence
High. The color transitions, characteristic grain coarseness, typical assembly style of the bench/table, and the way the wood has weathered to a pale tan-grey are classic indicators of Tectona grandis.