Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, though occasionally wavy or interlocked; medium to coarse texture with a prominent cathedral grain in flat-sawn sections.
Color Description
Heartwood is a golden or medium brown, darkening with age. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-white. High natural luster and famous for its oily feel.
Hardness Rating
1070 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), exterior furniture, high-end indoor furniture, flooring, cabinetry, and veneer.
Geographic Origin
Native to South and Southeast Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand); extensively grown on plantations worldwide.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Ranges from $25.00 to $50.00 per board foot depending on grade and origin (Burmese Teak is highest).
Wood Age Estimate
The sample shows mature heartwood with significant oxidation (ambering), likely processed into furniture 5-20 years ago.
Sustainability Status
Listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to population declines; CITES Appendix II for some populations; FSC sources available from plantations.
Workability
Easy to work except for its high silica content which has a severe dulling effect on cutting edges; glues and finishes well despite natural oils if surface is wiped with solvent.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly cut; high natural oil content makes it feel greasy; excellent dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or Danish oil to maintain natural appearance; if film-building finishes like polyurethane are used, wipe with acetone first to remove surface oils.
Identification Confidence
High; the rich golden-brown hue, large open pores, oily appearance, and specific grain transition are classic hallmarks of Tectona grandis.