Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, though occasionally wavy or interlocked. Texture is coarse and uneven with a distinct oily or greasy feel; large pores are often visible in the end grain.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a golden or medium brown, darkening with age. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-white. It possesses a dull luster and can show highlights of dark streaks or mineral grains.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Exceptional resistance to rot, fungal decay, and termites due to high natural oil content. Highly resistant to weathering in outdoor environments.
Common Uses
Boat building (decks and trim), outdoor furniture, high-end flooring, veneer, cabinetry, and exterior joinery.
Geographic Origin
Native to Southern Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos); widely grown on plantations throughout tropical regions in Africa and Latin America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$30.00 - $55.00 per board foot depending on grain quality (FEQ grade) and origin (Burmese vs. Plantation).
Wood Age Estimate
Recently milled from mature logs; the rough-sawn surfaces and lack of significant graying/oxidation on the face suggest it has been in storage for 1-3 years.
Sustainability Status
Natural-grown teak from Myanmar is subject to heavy trade restrictions and CITES-like scrutiny; Plantation-grown teak is widely available and FSC certified.
Workability
Generally easy to work but contains high silica content which rapidly dulls cutting edges. Glues well only after wiping surfaces with solvent to remove surface oils.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like odor when freshly cut. High natural oil content makes it one of the few woods that can remain unfinished outdoors for decades.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or penetrating sealers are preferred; for film-forming finishes like polyurethane, surfaces must be degreased with acetone or lacquer thinner first.
Identification Confidence
High. The visible end-grain ring-porous structure, golden-brown hue, oily surface texture, and the characteristic checking on the end grain are hallmark indicators of Tectona grandis.