Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a coarse, open-pored texture; occasionally wavy or interlocked grain may be present. The sample shows typical ring-porous or semi-ring-porous longitudinal vessel lines.
Color Description
Heartwood is a golden to medium brown, darkening with age and light exposure. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-white. It often possesses a dull luster and a characteristic oily feel.
Hardness Rating
1070 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; exceptional resistance to rot, termites, and weathering due to high natural oil content.
Common Uses
Boat building (decks and trim), high-end outdoor furniture, flooring, veneer, cabinetry, and exterior construction.
Geographic Origin
Native to Southern Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand); widely grown on plantations across Africa and Latin America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
High; typically ranges from $20.00 to $45.00 per board foot depending on grade, origin (Burmese vs. Plantation), and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Post-manufacturing age appears to be 5-15 years based on the mellowed golden-brown patina and lack of deep surface oxidation or graying.
Sustainability Status
Listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to population reduction in native ranges; plantation-grown wood is widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Generally easy to work but contains high silica content which can dull cutting edges rapidly. Glues well only after surface oils are wiped with solvent.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like odor when freshly cut; exceptionally high natural oil and rubber content; very stable with low shrinkage rates.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for Teak oil or penetrating oils to maintain natural feel; if using film-forming finishes like lacquer or polyurethane, surface must be degreased with acetone first.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the open-pore vessel structure, medium-brown oily appearance, and specific grain texture is highly characteristic of Tectona grandis.