Dahat Teak
Scientific name: Tectona hamiltoniana
Overview
Dahat Teak is a lesser-known relative of true Teak (Tectona grandis), native primarily to Myanmar. While it shares the same genus, it is significantly less common and does not reach the same commercial prominence as traditional Teak.
This species is valued regionally for its durability and appearance, but it is generally considered inferior to Tectona grandis in terms of workability, consistency, and availability. For collectors and specialists, Dahat Teak represents an important comparative species within the teak family.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Dahat Teak
- Scientific Name: Tectona hamiltoniana
- Region: Asian Hardwoods (Myanmar)
- Tree Size: 60–90 ft tall, 2–3 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: ~40–48 lbs/ft³ (640–770 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: ~1,200–1,600 lbf (estimated)
- Color: Pale yellow-brown to medium brown, sometimes with muted golden tones
- Grain: Straight to slightly interlocked
- Texture: Medium
Identification Characteristics
Dahat Teak shares a similar overall appearance to true Teak but can be distinguished by its lighter color and less oily surface.
Key identification traits include:
- Lighter yellow-brown coloration compared to Teak
- More uniform appearance with fewer dramatic grain variations
- Straight to slightly interlocked grain
- Moderate natural luster, less oily than true Teak
- Medium texture with a somewhat softer visual appearance
Working Properties
Dahat Teak is generally easier to work than many dense tropical hardwoods, though it lacks some of the favorable machining qualities of Tectona grandis.
- Moderate ease of machining and shaping
- Less blunting effect on tools compared to true Teak
- Accepts glues and finishes more readily due to lower oil content
- Stable in service, though slightly less dimensionally stable than Teak
- Good overall durability for interior and some exterior applications
Safety Note
Wood dust may cause mild irritation to the skin and respiratory system. Standard dust collection and protective equipment are recommended when machining.
Common Uses
Dahat Teak is used in applications where a teak-like appearance is desired but at a lower cost or where true Teak is not available.
- Furniture
- Interior joinery
- Cabinetry
- Light exterior construction
- Decorative woodwork
Sustainability & Notes
Dahat Teak is not widely traded internationally and is primarily harvested locally in Myanmar. Due to limited distribution, reliable sustainability data is less documented than for Tectona grandis. As with many regional hardwoods, responsible sourcing is important when material enters global markets.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Teak – More durable, more oily, and significantly more stable; considered the benchmark species.
Philippine Teak – Much rarer and smaller, with limited commercial availability.
Cumaru – Not a true teak; significantly harder and denser with a more rugged appearance.
Related Guides
Wood Movement and Seasonal Expansion Explained
Understand how changes in humidity cause wood to expand and contract, and how to design projects that prevent warping, cracking, and joint failure.
Machining Dense Tropical Hardwoods
Useful when working with teak and teak-like species.
Wood Density & Hardness Explained (Janka Scale)
Provides context for Dahat Teak’s moderate hardness compared to other hardwoods.
Compare Wood Properties
See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.
Collector Notes
Dahat Teak is an important addition for collectors focused on botanical relationships and comparative hardwood study. As a true member of the Tectona genus, it provides a valuable reference point when comparing against Tectona grandis and understanding how variations within a genus affect density, durability, and workability.
Due to its limited availability, samples can be more difficult to obtain, making it a desirable piece in a comprehensive hardwood collection.
Share Your Photos of This Species
Do you have lumber, wood samples, tree photographs, woodworking projects, furniture, carvings, turnings, musical instruments, or other items made from this species?
Exotic Woods of the World welcomes photographs from woodworkers, collectors, sawyers, researchers, and wood enthusiasts around the world. Selected submissions may be featured on this page and throughout our website to help document and showcase real-world examples of this species.
When submitting photos, please include the common name, scientific name (if known), a brief description, and any information you would like us to share with the image.
Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
Learn more about contributing to the collection:
Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
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Availability & Where to Buy
Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.
As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.
Lumber Suppliers:
Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
Related Tools & Products:
• 3M Half Facepiece Reusable Respirator for protection against dust and airborne particles during sanding and woodworking
https://amzn.to/4wKyJoK
• Klein Tools ET140 Pinless Moisture Meter for non-destructive moisture detection in wood, drywall, and masonry
https://amzn.to/4upDKSd
• Pro Grade 2-Inch Foam Brush Set for applying stains, oils, finishes, and sealers to woodworking projects
https://amzn.to/4drOpWx
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