Burmese Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Generally straight grain, though sometimes wavy or interlocked with a coarse, uneven texture and a naturally oily feel.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically golden or medium brown, darkening with age to a deeper reddish-brown. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-white. High natural luster and significant color variation due to mineral streaks.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Exceptional resistance to decay, rot, and termite attack due to high natural oil and silica content.
Common Uses
Marine construction (boat decks and trim), outdoor furniture, high-end veneers, exterior joinery, and heavy construction.
Geographic Origin
Native to Myanmar (Burma), India, and Thailand; widely grown on plantations throughout tropical regions in Africa and Latin America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$30.00 - $50.00 per board foot for old-growth Burmese Teak; $15.00 - $25.00 for plantation-grown.
Wood Age Estimate
The uniform color and absence of heavy oxidation suggest a freshly processed or well-maintained contemporary sample, likely less than 5 years old.
Sustainability Status
Listed on the IUCN Red List as Endangered; strict export bans exist for wild-grown Burmese teak; FSC-certified plantation teak is available.
Workability
Generally easy to work but contains high silica levels which dull cutting edges rapidly. Glues well only after wiping surfaces with a solvent to remove natural oils.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly cut; exceptionally stable with very low shrinkage rates; high silica content and natural oils make it waterproof.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or penetrating oils are preferred to maintain natural texture; film finishes like polyurethane may struggle to adhere unless the wood is degreased with acetone first.
Identification Confidence
Low. The image provided is out-of-focus and lacks discernible macro-features such as grain vessels or end-grain structure; identification is based strictly on the visible color spectrum and apparent sheen typical of Teak.