Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to wavy grain; coarse, uneven texture with a distinct oily feel. The image shows some interlocking and cathedral patterns common in flat-sawn teak.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically golden or medium brown, darkening with age. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-white. It possesses a dull luster and can exhibit natural streaks of darker color.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; exceptional resistance to rot, termites, and weathering due to high natural oil and silica content.
Common Uses
Ship and boat building (especially decking), outdoor furniture, high-end cabinetry, exterior construction, and veneer.
Geographic Origin
Native to Southern Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand); extensively grown on plantations throughout tropical regions of Africa and Latin America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$30.00 - $50.00 per board foot for high-quality, old-growth or premium plantation heartwood.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears to be seasoned heartwood, likely fabricated within the last 5-10 years based on the oxidation level and surface texture.
Sustainability Status
Listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to a population reduction of over 50% in its native range. Plantation-grown Teak is widely available and often FSC certified.
Workability
Generally easy to work, though high silica content can dull cutting edges rapidly. It glues and finishes well, although natural oils may require surface wiping with a solvent before bonding.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly milled; very high natural oil content makes it highly water resistant; heavy and stable with minimal shrinkage.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or penetrating sealers are preferred to maintain the natural look; lacquer and varnish can be used if the wood is first wiped with acetone to remove surface oils.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the golden-brown hue, large open pores, visible oily sheen, and characteristic grain structure is highly indicative of Tectona grandis.