Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Generally straight grain with occasional wavy or interlocked patterns; course, uneven texture with a naturally oily feel. Some specimens may exhibit darker streaks.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a golden or medium brown, darkening with age and light exposure; sapwood is pale yellowish-white. It often shows a dull luster due to high oil content.
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. Highly resistant to weathering.
Common Uses
Boat building (decks, trim), outdoor furniture, high-end cabinetry, flooring, veneer, and exterior joinery.
Geographic Origin
Native to South and Southeast Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand); widely grown in plantations across tropical regions in Africa and Latin America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $25.00 - $45.00 per board foot depending on source (FEQ Burmese vs. Plantation grown).
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears modern with a fresh mill finish, though the surface oxidation suggests it has been exposed to air for several months; likely from a tree 40-70 years old.
Sustainability Status
Large-scale plantations exist, but wild-grown Teak (Myanmar) is under heavy trade restrictions. FSC certified options are available and recommended.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, but the high silica content can significantly dull cutting edges. Glues well if surface oils are wiped with solvent prior to bonding.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly cut; exceptionally high natural oil and silica content; greasy feel to the touch; excellent dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or Danish oil are standard to maintain natural color; can be left unfinished to weather to a silver-grey or sealed with marine-grade polyurethane for heavy use.
Identification Confidence
High; the golden-brown color, oily surface texture, and the specific open-pore structure visible in the grain are a classic match for high-quality Tectona grandis.