Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to wavy grain; the sample shows significant wear including surface checking and a rough, flat-sawn texture with some interlocked fibers visible.
Color Description
Aged golden brown to a weathered silvery-gray. Heartwood is typically golden or medium brown, while the sapwood is pale yellowish-white; this sample shows distinct graying (sun-bleaching) and oxidation common in outdoor exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; exceptional resistance to rot, termites, and fungal decay due to high natural oil and silica content.
Common Uses
Outdoor furniture, boat building (especially decks), flooring, exterior joinery, and heavy construction.
Geographic Origin
Native to South and Southeast Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos); widely grown on plantations globally.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$25.00 - $45.00 per board foot (high-grade Burmese Teak is more expensive; plantation-grown is lower).
Wood Age Estimate
Estimated 20-40 years old based on the deep oxidation, surface abrasions, and the significant silver-gray patina typical of long-term UV exposure.
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List: Endangered (due to wild harvesting). Highly regulated; plantation-grown teak carrying FSC certification is the sustainable preference.
Workability
Generally good, but the high silica content is notorious for dulling blade edges very quickly. Glues and finishes can be difficult due to natural surface oils.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like odor when freshly cut; naturally oily to the touch; high silica content and incredible dimensional stability in wet conditions.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or penetrating sealers are preferred; surface films like polyurethane often fail over time due to the wood's natural oils moving to the surface.
Identification Confidence
Medium; the visible grain structure, weathering pattern, and 'oily' appearance of the darker patches are highly characteristic of aged Tectona grandis, though extreme weathering can mimic other tropical hardwoods like Iroko or Cumaru.