Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy with a coarse, uneven texture. The sample shows a flat-sawn surface with distinct growth ring boundaries and visible pores characteristic of ring-porous or semi-ring-porous wood.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a golden or medium brown, darkening with age to a deeper chocolate brown. Sapwood is a pale yellowish white. The wood has a dull luster and can feel oily or greasy to the touch due to natural resins.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Teak is renowned for its exceptional decay resistance and is highly resistant to rot, fungi, and termites. It is considered the gold standard for outdoor weather resistance.
Common Uses
Outdoor furniture, boat building (especially decks and trim), exterior joinery, flooring, veneer, and high-end cabinetry.
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
$30.00 to $50.00 per board foot, depending on origin (Burma/Myanmar Teak vs. Plantation Teak) and thickness.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears relatively fresh or recently machined, showing modern saw marks. Based on the patina and lack of significant weathering, it is likely less than 5 years old since processing.
Sustainability Status
Large-scale plantations exist; however, old-growth Teak is increasingly rare. It is not currently CITES listed but is on the IUCN Red List as Endangered due to habitat loss and over-harvesting.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, but the high silica content (up to 1.4%) has a significant dulling effect on cutting edges. It glues reasonably well after surface preparation to remove natural oils.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly cut. Contains high levels of natural oils and silica, providing water resistance and a unique tactile feel. Highly stable with low shrinkage rates.
Finish Recommendations
Teak is often left unfinished to weather to a silver-grey. If finishing is desired, Teak Oil or a thin wipe-on lacquer is recommended. Surface must be wiped with solvent (acetone) before gluing or finishing to remove oils.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High. The visible large pores, golden-brown color, oily surface appearance, and coarse texture are quintessential diagnostic features of Tectona grandis.