Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy with a coarse, uneven texture and visible long vessel lines; occasionally shows darker streaks.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically golden or medium brown, darkening with age to a rich coffee brown; sapwood is pale yellowish-white. It has a dull to moderate luster and a characteristic oily feel.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; exceptional resistance to rot, decay, and marine borers due to high natural oil and silica content.
Common Uses
Boat building (decks and trim), outdoor furniture, high-end flooring, exterior joinery, and veneer.
Geographic Origin
Native to South and Southeast Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand); widely grown on plantations in Africa and Latin America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$30.00 - $50.00 per board foot, depending on grain quality and region of origin.
Wood Age Estimate
20-40 years, based on the moderate oxidation of the golden-brown surface and typical dimensions of plantation-sourced stock.
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List status: Endangered (due to wild population decline); widely available via FSC-certified plantations, though trade of wild Burmese teak is heavily restricted.
Workability
Generally easy to work with tools, though the high silica content causes significant dulling of steel blades (carbide tips recommended); glues well after surface oils are wiped with solvent.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly cut; heavy natural oils provide water resistance; high silica content and relatively heavy weight.
Finish Recommendations
Best finished with teak oil or Danish oil to maintain natural appearance; if film-forming finishes like varnish are used, the wood must be wiped with acetone first to remove surface oils.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the oily texture, classic golden-brown color with dark streak variations, and large open vessel pores are characteristic of Tectona grandis.