Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy with visible vessel lines; coarse texture with a distinct oily tactile feel; exhibits flat-sawn cathedral patterns in some sections.
Color Description
Medium golden brown to reddish-brown heartwood with darker streaks; sapwood is pale yellowish-white. It typically darkens with age and exposure to light, developing a rich patina.
Hardness Rating
1070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable: Highly resistant to rot, fungi, and termites due to high natural oil and silica content; excellent for outdoor exposure and marine environments.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, boat building (decks and trim), exterior construction, flooring, veneer, and carving.
Geographic Origin
Native to Southern Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand); widely grown in plantations across tropical regions in Africa and Latin America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$30.00 - $50.00 per board foot for high-grade Burmese or old-growth stock; plantation teak is lower.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern sample; surface condition and finish suggest 5-15 years based on low oxidation levels and minimal surface wear.
Sustainability Status
IUCN status: Endangered (for native forests); CITES: Not listed; FSC certified plantation teak is widely available.
Workability
Generally good with power and hand tools, though high silica content can dull cutting edges quickly. Glues well if surface oils are removed with a solvent prior to bonding.
Notable Features
Distinctive leathery scent when freshly cut; high natural oil content gives it a greasy feel; excellent dimensional stability under varying moisture conditions.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or Danish oil are preferred to enhance natural oils; lacquer or polyurethane can be used but may require dewaxed shellac as a sealer due to surface oils.
Identification Confidence
High; the distinctive golden-brown hue, large vessel pores, oily appearance, and characteristic grain streaks are textbook indicators of Tectona grandis.