Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with occasional wavy or interlocked patterns; large, open pores are visible on the face; slight cathedral figure visible near knots.
Color Description
Heartwood is a golden or medium brown, darkening with age to a deep reddish-brown. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-white. It has a dull to moderate natural luster and a characteristic oily feel.
Hardness Rating
1000 to 1150 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Exceptional resistance to rot, fungal decay, and termites due to high natural oil content.
Common Uses
Boat building (decks and trim), outdoor furniture, luxury flooring, cabinetry, veneer, and exterior joinery.
Geographic Origin
Native to South and Southeast Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand); widely grown in plantations across tropical regions in Africa and Latin America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$30.00 to $50.00 per board foot depending on source (Burmese vs. Plantation) and width.
Wood Age Estimate
The board appears freshly milled or planed, showing vibrant golden tones typical of young to middle-aged plantation teak (approx. 20-40 years old at harvest).
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices, but natural-grown Old Growth/Burmese teak is increasingly restricted; IUCN lists it as Endangered in the wild; FSC plantation-grown teak is available.
Workability
Generally easy to work, though high silica content can dull blades rapidly. Glues well if surfaces are wiped with solvent first to remove surface oils.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly cut; naturally high in silica and oil; very stable with low shrinkage rates once cured.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or penetrating oil finishes to enhance natural beauty; if using lacquer or polyurethane, an acetone wipe-down is required to ensure adhesion to oily surface.
Identification Confidence
High; the golden-brown color, characteristic open grain, oily surface texture, and specific vessel arrangement are definitive markers for Tectona grandis.