Teak (likely subject to burn staining/heavy oxidation)
Tectona grandis · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Origin
- Native to South and Southeast Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia); widely grown on plantations globally
- Hardness
- 1,070 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Very Durable; highly resistant to moisture, rot, decay, and insect attack due to high natural resin content
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy grain with a fine, uniform texture visible near the lower handle region
Color & Appearance
Natural golden-brown to warm honey tones near the neck and edge, transitioning to dark charred or heavily oxidized dark brown/black on the business end
Hardness (Janka)
1,070 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable; highly resistant to moisture, rot, decay, and insect attack due to high natural resin content
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $15.00 to $30.00 per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- 5 to 15 years; shows signs of repeated use, scorching/charring from cooking heat, and surface wear
- Sustainability Status
- Not CITES listed; IUCN status varies by wild origin (Endangered in wild), but widely available from FSC-certified sustainable plantations
Common Uses
Utensils, salad servers, cutting boards, boat building, outdoor furniture, carving
Geographic Origin
Native to South and Southeast Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia); widely grown on plantations globally
Workability
Excellent for turning, carving, and shaping; high silica content can dull cutting tools, but sands smoothly
Finish Recommendations
Food-safe mineral oil, beeswax, or walnut oil; film-forming finishes like lacquer or polyurethane are not recommended for kitchen utensils
Notable Features
High natural oil content providing moisture resistance; subtle leather-like scent when freshly cut or sanded; excellent dimensional stability