Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, occasionally wavy or interlocked with a coarse, uneven texture and a naturally oily/greasy feel; typical cathedral grain visible on flat-sawn surfaces.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a golden or medium brown, darkening with age and light exposure; sapwood is pale yellowish-white. Often features dark streaks (growth ring lines) and a dull luster.
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
Boat building (decks and trim), exterior furniture, high-end flooring, cabinetry, veneer, and carving.
Geographic Origin
Native to Southern Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand); widely grown on plantations across tropical regions in Africa and Latin America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$30.00 - $50.00 per board foot depending on source and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively modern rough-cut lumber (less than 5-10 years old) based on the lack of heavy oxidation and the presence of rough mill saw marks.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices, but Burmese Teak is on the IUCN Red List as Endangered; FSC-certified plantation-grown teak is widely available and sustainable.
Workability
Generally easy to work, but high silica content has a significant dulling effect on tool edges. Glues well if surfaces are wiped with solvent first to remove surface oils.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly cut; heavy natural oils provide water resistance; high silica content and heavy weight.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or Danish oil are best to maintain natural appearance; epoxies or lacquers may require surface preparation (solvent wipe) due to natural oils.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the distinctive golden-brown color with dark parallel streaks, coarse texture, and the visible oily sheen is characteristic of Tectona grandis.