Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Straight to wavy grain, occasionally interlocked. Features a coarse, uneven texture with a distinct oily or greasy feel; visible cathedral patterns and growth ring highlights consistent with flat-sawn lumber.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a golden or medium brown, darkening with age to a rich coffee brown. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-white. It exhibits a dull luster and can develop a silver-grey patina if aged outdoors without treatment.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Renowned for its superb decay resistance and immunity to rot and most insect attacks due to high natural oil and silica content.
Common Uses
Marine applications (boat decks), outdoor furniture, high-end cabinetry, flooring, veneer, and exterior joinery.
Geographic Origin
Native to Southern Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand); widely grown on plantations throughout Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$30.00 to $50.00 per board foot for high-quality FEQ (First European Quality) lumber.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively fresh or indoor-kept; lacks the silvering oxidation of weathered teak but shows natural darkening typical of exposure to light for 1-5 years.
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List: Endangered (wild populations); CITES: Not listed. Widely available through FSC-certified plantations, though Myanmar Teak faces significant trade bans/sanctions.
Workability
Generally easy to work but contains high silica levels that dull tool edges rapidly. Glues well only when surfaces are freshly sanded or wiped with a solvent to remove natural oils.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly cut. High oil content provides natural water resistance. Can cause skin irritation or respiratory issues in some sensitive individuals.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or tung oil are preferred to enhance natural beauty; film-building finishes like polyurethane may struggle with adhesion due to the wood's oils.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of golden-brown color, oily appearance, coarse texture, and growth ring patterns are characteristic hallmarks of Tectona grandis.