Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked grain with a coarse, uneven texture and visible long, dark vessel streaks. Often exhibits a slightly oily or waxy tactile feel.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a golden or medium brown, darkening with age to a richer brown. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-white. It often shows a dull luster due to high natural oil content.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; exceptional resistance to rot, decay, and termites even in untreated outdoor exposure.
Common Uses
Outdoor furniture, boat building (especially decking), premium exterior joinery, flooring, and decorative veneers.
Geographic Origin
Native to South and Southeast Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand); widely grown on plantations in Africa and Latin America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$30.00 - $50.00 per board foot for high-quality old-growth or premium FEQ (First Europe Quality) grade.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears to be from a finished piece of furniture or paneling with some light surface wear, likely 10-20 years old since final manufacture.
Sustainability Status
Listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to population decline; Burmese Teak is subject to international trade restrictions; FSC-certified plantation teak is widely available.
Workability
Generally easy to work, though high silica content has a significant dulling effect on cutting edges. Glues well despite oily nature if surface is freshly sanded or wiped with solvent.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like odor when freshly worked. Contains high levels of natural rubber and silica, making it highly water-resistant and stable.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or tung oil to maintain natural appearance; can be left unfinished to weather to a silver-gray. High-solids outdoor varnishes may require de-oiling surfaces first.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High. The visible open pores, golden-brown hue, and characteristic longitudinal dark streaks are classic indicators of Tectona grandis.