Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy grain with a coarse, uneven texture and a naturally oily feel. Contains moderate to large pores.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a golden or medium brown, darkening with age. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-white. It exhibits a moderate luster and can show dark streaks or mottling.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Exceptional resistance to rot, fungal decay, and termites due to high natural oil and silica content.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, boat building (decks and trim), flooring, exterior construction, and veneers.
Geographic Origin
Native to Southern Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand); widely grown on plantations across Africa and Latin America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$30.00 - $50.00 per board foot for high-quality, genuine Burmese teak; plantation-grown varies.
Wood Age Estimate
20-40 years based on the oxidation of the finish, darkening of the grain, and minor surface abrasions consistent with mid-century or late-20th-century cabinetry.
Sustainability Status
Listed on the IUCN Red List as Vulnerable (natural stands). FSC certification is common and recommended for plantation-grown teak.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though the high silica content can dull cutting edges rapidly. Glues and finishes well despite natural oils, provided surface is wiped with a solvent.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly cut. High oil content provides natural water resistance and a greasy feel. Very stable with low shrinkage rates.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or penetrating oils are best to highlight natural beauty. Lacquer and polyurethane can be used but may require a sealer to prevent oil interference.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High. The golden-brown hue, tight linear grain, and specific pore structure visible on the stiles are classic indicators of Teak, though stained White Oak or Mahogany are distant alternatives.