Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to occasionally wavy with a coarse, uneven texture and visible large, open pores and oily streaks.
Color Description
Heartwood is a golden or medium brown that darkens with age; sapwood is pale yellowish-white. It features a dull luster and feels greasy or oily to the touch.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot, termites, and weathering due to high natural oil content.
Common Uses
Ship and boat building, outdoor furniture, high-end cabinetry, exterior construction, and veneer.
Geographic Origin
Native to Southern Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand); extensively grown on plantations in tropical regions worldwide.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$30.00 - $50.00 per board foot for high-quality Burmese teak.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern (less than 20 years), based on the uniform color and smooth, machine-milled finish.
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List: Endangered (Wild); CITES: Not listed, but heavily regulated; widely available as FSC certified plantation-grown timber.
Workability
Generally easy to work but contains high silica levels that dull cutting edges quickly. Glues well if surface oils are wiped with solvent first.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly milled; high natural oil content makes it exceptionally water-resistant; can cause skin irritation in some individuals.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or penetrating oils are preferred to maintain the natural look; if film-forming finishes like lacquer are used, a sealer is needed to prevent oil bleed-through.
Identification Confidence
High; the golden-brown color, large open pores, and characteristic oily appearance of the milled slats are consistent with plantation-grown Tectona grandis.