Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy or interlocked grain; coarse, uneven texture with a dull surface luster and occasional dark streaks.
Color Description
Heartwood is a golden or medium brown, darkening with age and light exposure. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-white. This sample shows silvery-grey weathering/patina commonly seen in outdoor exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; exceptional resistance to rot, fungal decay, and termites due to high natural oil content.
Common Uses
Outdoor furniture, boat building (especially decks), flooring, veneer, cabinetry, and exterior joinery.
Geographic Origin
Native to Southern Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand); widely grown on plantations throughout tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
High; typically ranges from $20.00 to $45.00 per board foot depending on origin (Old Growth vs. Plantation) and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Secondary use or aged outdoor installation; visible silvering and surface texture suggest 5-10 years of environmental exposure without recent oiling.
Sustainability Status
Listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss; FSC certification is available for plantation-grown stock. CITES Appendix II (Tectona grandis specimens from Laos only).
Workability
Generally good, though it has a high silica content that can dull tool blades rapidly. Glues can be problematic due to natural oils, necessitating surface cleaning with a solvent first.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly cut; naturally high in oils and rubber; excellent dimensional stability; feels slightly greasy or oily to the touch.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or penetrating sealers are preferred for outdoor use; if used indoors, lacquer or polyurethane can be applied after degreasing surface with acetone.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the open-pore vessel structure, golden-brown hue emerging from a silvery weathering, and the characteristic "oily" texture visible in the grain is diagnostic of Tectona grandis.