Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a coarse, uneven texture. Sometimes wavy or with occasional interlocked grain, showing distinct vessel lines on the face grain.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a golden or medium brown, darkening with age. Sapwood is pale yellowish-white. It has a dull to medium natural luster and a greasy/oily feel.
Hardness Rating
1000 to 1150 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Exceptional resistance to rot, termites, and fungal decay. One of the world's most weather-resistant woods due to natural oils.
Common Uses
Marine applications, boat building (especially decks), outdoor furniture, high-end millwork, flooring, and veneer.
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
$30.00 to $45.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
10-20 years since installation. The oxidation under the high-gloss finish suggests a mature installation common in maritime museum displays or yacht interiors.
Sustainability Status
Vulnerable in wild populations. CITES Appendix II (some populations). Heavily available as FSC-certified plantation-grown material.
Workability
Generally easy to work but high silica content can dull cutting edges quickly. Glues well if surface oils are removed with a solvent prior to bonding.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly cut. High oil and silica content; very heavy and stable when seasoned.
Finish Recommendations
Usually finished with marine-grade spar varnish or Teak oil. If using a high-gloss film (as seen in photo), polyurethane or lacquer is applied over a sealer.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the open-pore vessel structure, golden-brown hue, and the specific application in a marine/boating environment is characteristic of Tectona grandis.