Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a coarse, uneven texture. The image shows a flat-sawn surface with prominent, large pores and typical oily streaks. Occasionally exhibits wavy or interlocked grain.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a golden or medium brown, darkening with age. Sapwood is pale yellowish-white. The sample shows a weathered/sun-bleached appearance with lighter gray-tan highlights and typical oily sheen transitions.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Highly resistant to rot, termites, and fungal decay due to high natural oil and silica content. Exceptional weathering properties in marine environments.
Common Uses
Outdoor furniture, boat building (decks and trim), high-end cabinetry, flooring, veneer, and exterior joinery.
Geographic Origin
Native to Southern Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand); widely grown in plantations across tropical regions of Africa and Latin America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Ranges from $25.00 to $50.00 per board foot depending on grade, origin (FEQ - First European Quality), and width/length.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears secondary-processed (kiln dried) and recently worked, showing some surface oxidation and light surface wear consistent with a sample that is 1 to 5 years post-processing.
Sustainability Status
Natural grown Teak from Myanmar (Burma) is subject to sanctions and CITES-like trade restrictions. Plantation-grown Teak is widely available and FSC certified.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, but the high silica content has a significant dulling effect on cutting edges. Glues well if surface oils are wiped with solvent beforehand.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly cut. Contains high levels of natural rubber and silica, making it one of the most stable and water-resistant woods in the world.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or Danish oil is standard to replenish natural oils. For exterior use, it can be left unfinished to age to a silver-gray. If lacquering or varnishing, a sealer is required to prevent oil migration.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High. The visible pore structure, color tone, and the 'waxy/oily' visual texture are highly characteristic of Tectona grandis, though some Dipterocarps (like Iroko) can mimic this appearance.