Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical (Hardwood)
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy with a coarse, uneven texture and a distinctively oily feel.
Color Description
Natural heartwood is golden to medium brown; however, this weathered sample has aged to a characteristic silvery-gray patina due to UV exposure and leaching of surface oils.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; exceptional resistance to rot, termites, and fungal decay due to high natural oil and silica content.
Common Uses
Marine decking, outdoor furniture, boat building, high-end exterior joinery, and flooring.
Geographic Origin
Native to Southern 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 FEQ (First European Quality) material.
Wood Age Estimate
Estimated 2–5 years of exterior exposure based on the uniform silver-gray oxidation and slight surface checking.
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List: Endangered (wild populations); widespread plantation availability; often FSC certified; trade of Myanmar-origin teak is restricted in some regions.
Workability
Moderate; the high silica content can significantly dull cutting edges; glues well if surface oils are wiped with solvent beforehand.
Notable Features
Distinctive leather-like scent when freshly cut; naturally high in rubber and silica which provides grip and water resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or tung oil to restore color; alternatively, leave unfinished to maintain the gray patina. Avoid thick film-forming finishes which may peel due to natural oils.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the specific silver-gray weathering pattern combined with the coarse, open grain and visible surface checking is highly characteristic of weathered exterior Teak.