Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy grain with a coarse, uneven texture. The image shows a flat-sawn cathedral pattern on the left stile and a more subtle straight grain on the panel.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a golden or medium brown, darkening with age. Sapwood is a pale whitish-yellow. The sample shows a weathered, matte, tawny brown with visible greyish oxidation in some areas.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Renowned for its exceptional resistance to rot, fungal decay, and termites due to high natural oil content.
Common Uses
Outdoor furniture, boat building (decks and trim), high-end cabinetry, flooring, and exterior joinery.
Geographic Origin
Native to South and Southeast Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand); widely grown on plantations in Africa and Latin America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$30.00 to $50.00 per board foot for high-quality, old-growth or sustainably harvested Burmese Teak.
Wood Age Estimate
The wood surface appears to be roughly 10-20 years old. The patina and slight surface checking suggest it has been outdoors or in a semi-exposed environment for several seasons.
Sustainability Status
Listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List (wild populations); plantation-grown Teak is widely available and FSC certified.
Workability
Generally easy to work but contains high levels of silica which dulls cutting edges rapidly. It glues well if the surface oils are wiped with a solvent (like acetone) first.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly cut; high natural oil and silica content; greasy feel to the touch.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or Danish oil to maintain color; alternatively, it can be left unfinished to weather to a silver-grey patina. Marine-grade varnishes are used for high-gloss applications.
Identification Confidence
High. The distinctive tawny-gold color, visible pore structure, oily luster, and the specific way the grain weathers are classic indicators of Tectona grandis.