Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Generally straight to slightly interlocked grain with a coarse, uneven texture. The flat-sawn face shows typical cathedral patterning and some natural oily streaking.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a golden or medium brown, darkening with age. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-white. This sample shows a weathered, oxidized golden-brown patina with visible mineral streaking.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; exceptional resistance to rot, decay, and termites due to high natural oil and silica content.
Common Uses
Outdoor furniture, boat building (decks and trim), exterior construction, flooring, and veneer.
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
$25.00 - $45.00 per board foot depending on grade and source (Old Growth vs. Plantation).
Wood Age Estimate
Estimated 20-40 years based on the heavy oxidation, surface staining, and wear patterns suggesting it was reclaimed from an architectural or marine application.
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List: Endangered (wild populations). FSC certified plantation teak is commonly available; CITES does not currently list Tectona grandis.
Workability
Generally easy to work, but the high silica content has a severe dulling effect on cutting edges. Glues and finishes can be difficult due to natural oils; surface wiping with solvent is often required before bonding.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly cut; high natural oil content gives it a greasy feel; excellent dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or Danish oil are preferred to maintain the natural look; if film-forming finishes like polyurethane are used, the wood must be deglossed with acetone first.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the coarse texture, specific golden-brown oxidation, and visible 'oil streaks' are highly characteristic of Teak, though some species of Iroko can appear similar.