Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, occasionally wavy or interlocked with a coarse, uneven texture and a naturally oily/waxy feel.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a golden or medium brown, darkening with age. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-white. It often features dark streaks and a duller luster due to high oil content.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; exceptional resistance to rot, termites, and weathering due to high natural oil and silica content.
Common Uses
Boat building (decks and trim), outdoor furniture, high-end cabinetry, flooring, and exterior construction.
Geographic Origin
Native to Southern Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand); extensively grown on plantations throughout tropical regions in Africa and Latin America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$30.00 - $50.00 per board foot for high-quality Burmese teak; plantation teak is lower.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern cut (less than 10 years). The sample shows relatively fresh milling marks and lacks the deep silver-grey patina associated with aged exterior teak or the deep oxidation of antique wood.
Sustainability Status
Not CITES listed but threatened in the wild. IUCN Red List classifies it as Endangered. FSC-certified plantation teak is widely available and recommended.
Workability
Generally easy to work but contains high silica levels which rapidly dull cutting edges. Glues well if surfaces are wiped with solvent first to remove surface oils.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly cut. Highly oily to the touch. Contains silica. Exceptional dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or Danish oil are preferred to maintain the natural look. Film-forming finishes (like lacquer) can fail due to the wood's natural oils.
Identification Confidence
High; the golden-brown hue combined with the characteristic dark 'ink' streaks, coarse open grain, and visible oily sheen are classic diagnostic features of Tectona grandis.