Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Principally straight grain with occasional wavy patterns; coarse, uneven texture with a dull surface luster and a characteristically oily feel.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically golden or medium brown, darkening with age to a rich, deep brown. Sapwood is pale yellowish-white. It exhibits natural chatoyance under finish.
Hardness Rating
1070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; exceptional resistance to rot, termites, and fungal decay due to high natural oil content.
Common Uses
Outdoor furniture, boat building (especially decking), flooring, veneer, and high-end cabinetry.
Geographic Origin
Native to Southern Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand); widely grown on plantations throughout tropical regions in Africa and Latin America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $30.00 - $50.00 per board foot for high-quality, old-growth or premium plantation timber.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears to be from a completed furniture piece, likely 20-40 years old based on the ambering of the finish and the subtle darkening of the grain lines.
Sustainability Status
Listed on the IUCN Red List as Endangered in native habitats; however, extensively available from FSC-certified sustainable plantations.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though the high silica content can have a significant dulling effect on cutting edges. Glues and finishes well after surface oils are wiped with solvent.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly cut; high natural oil and silica content; greasy feel; excellent dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or tung oil to maintain natural appearance; if film-forming finishes like lacquer are used, the wood must be wiped with acetone first to remove surface oils.
Identification Confidence
High; the golden-brown hue, large open pores, and the specific distribution of vessel elements visible in the face grain are classic indicators of Tectona grandis.