Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with occasional waviness; flat-sawn texture visible with some cathedral patterning; coarse, open-textured grain with a slightly greasy or oily feel.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically golden or medium brown, darkening with age to a rich deep brown. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-white. It possesses a dull to moderate luster and can show significant chatoyance under a finish.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot, decay, and termites due to high natural oil content. Highly weather-resistant.
Common Uses
Boat building (decks and trim), outdoor furniture, high-end cabinetry, flooring, veneer, and exterior construction.
Geographic Origin
Native to Southern Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand); widely grown on plantations in tropical regions across Africa and Latin America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$30.00 - $50.00 per board foot for high-quality FEQ (First European Quality) lumber.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears modern with a fresh finish, likely harvested within the last 10-20 years based on the uniformity of color and lack of deep oxidation or patina.
Sustainability Status
Listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to over-exploitation of old-growth forests. Genuine Burmese Teak is subject to strict trade regulations; plantation-grown Teak is widely available and FSC certified.
Workability
Generally easy to work but high silica content will rapidly dull cutting edges. Glues moderately well once surface oils are cleaned with a solvent (like acetone) prior to bonding.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly cut; naturally high in rubber and silica; oily to the touch; excellent dimensional stability even in changing humidity.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for natural oils (Teak oil) or thin wiping varnishes. If using film-forming finishes like polyurethane, a dewaxed shellac sealer or thorough degreasing is required to ensure adhesion.
Identification Confidence
High; the golden-brown hue combined with the oily sheen, visible open pores, and classic linear grain with slight darkening is characteristic of Tectona grandis.