Teak
Tectona grandis · Exotic/Tropical
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical
- Origin
- South and Southeast Asia, primarily India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand; widely planted in tropical tree plantations globally.
- Hardness
- 1070 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Very Durable. Exceptional natural resistance to decay, rot, and termite or insect attacks due to natural oils.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to wavy grain with a coarse, uneven texture. The end grain shows distinct ring-porous to semi-ring-porous growth rings with large earlywood pores.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a golden or medium brown, sometimes with dark streaks. The sapwood is a pale yellowish-white and is clearly demarcated from the heartwood. It darkens significantly upon exposure to light.
Hardness (Janka)
1070 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable. Exceptional natural resistance to decay, rot, and termite or insect attacks due to natural oils.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 15.00 to 30.00 USD per board foot depending on grade and origin.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently milled lumber, estimated at 1 to 3 years since processing, based on the fresh cuts and minimal oxidation on the end grain.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species for plantation-grown timber, though wild-harvested Asian teak may face regional restrictions. Readily available as plantation-grown.
Common Uses
Boat building, marine applications, outdoor furniture, veneer, carving, and indoor flooring.
Geographic Origin
South and Southeast Asia, primarily India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand; widely planted in tropical tree plantations globally.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though the high silica content in the wood can dull cutting edges quickly. Glues and finishes well despite natural oils.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or penetrating oils are traditionally used to maintain its color. Surface finishes like polyurethane can be challenging due to the natural oils and require thorough wiping with a solvent prior to application.
Notable Features
Contains natural oils and rubber which give it a greasy or waxy feel and a distinct leathery scent when freshly cut. Highly resistant to moisture.
