Jamaican Teak
Scientific name: Fagara martinicense
Overview
Jamaican Teak is a dense Caribbean hardwood valued regionally for its durability and strength. Despite its common name, it is not a true teak (Tectona grandis), but the wood shares similar working characteristics such as moderate stability and resistance to wear.
Native primarily to Jamaica and nearby islands, Jamaican Teak is not widely exported in commercial volumes. It is typically encountered in smaller dimensional stock and specialty applications rather than large furniture-grade boards.
This species adds a darker, heavier profile within the Caribbean hardwood category.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Jamaican Teak
- Scientific Name: Fagara martinicense
- Region: Caribbean & West Indies Hardwoods (Caribbean – Jamaica and surrounding islands)
- Tree Size: 30–60 ft tall, 1–2 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 55 lbs/ft³ (880 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 1,700 lbf
- Color: Yellowish brown to golden brown, sometimes darkening with age
- Grain: Straight to slightly interlocked
- Texture: Medium
Identification Characteristics
Heartwood ranges from medium brown to deeper reddish-brown tones. Grain is generally straight but may show mild interlocking. Texture is fine to medium with a moderate natural luster.
Key identification traits include:
- Medium to dark brown coloration
- Dense and heavy feel
- Straight to slightly interlocked grain
- Smooth surface when finished
- Uniform growth pattern
Working Properties
Jamaican Teak machines well when sharp tools are used.
- Turns cleanly
- Sands to a smooth surface
- Holds detail well
- Pre-drilling recommended for fasteners
- Accepts oil finishes attractively
Due to its density, tooling pressure should be controlled to avoid burnishing.
Safety Note
Standard hardwood dust precautions recommended. No widely reported unusual toxicity concerns for seasoned material.
Common Uses
Jamaican Teak common uses including:
- Tool handles
- Turned bowls
- Walking sticks
- Small furniture components
- Craft applications
- Trim and utility joinery
Sustainability & Notes
Jamaican Teak is not a large-scale commercial export species. Most material is regionally sourced and appears in limited stock sizes. Availability outside the Caribbean is minimal.
Documented provenance strengthens collector value.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Lancewood – Similar density but typically straighter grain.
Poisonwood – Comparable hardness but more reddish in tone.
West Indian Mahogany – Lighter and more decorative.
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.
Density & Hardness Explained (Janka Scale Guide)
Places Jamaican Teak in the mid-to-high density tropical range.
Building a Documented Wood Collection
Important for archiving lesser-exported island species.
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
Jamaican Teak is most often encountered in smaller turning blanks and handle stock rather than wide dimensional boards. When cataloging, note the density, medium to dark brown coloration, and confirmed Jamaican origin. Because the name can cause confusion with true teak, proper scientific identification increases archival accuracy and collector value.
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.
Love This Species?
Enjoy learning about this wood species?
Help support the continued growth of Exotic Woods of the World by participating in our Adopt a Species program. Your support helps fund species research, educational content, photography, videos, and future conservation awareness initiatives.
Support Forest Conservation
This species is part of the growing Exotic Woods of the World reference archive, dedicated to documenting and preserving knowledge of the world’s wood species.
Through the Adopt a Species program, visitors can help support ongoing species research, educational content, photography, video production, and future conservation awareness initiatives.
Contributions help fund the continued expansion of this archive while promoting sustainable forestry education and the long-term appreciation of the world’s forests.
Interested in supporting this species? Visit our Adopt a Species and Conservation Partners pages to learn more.
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
Share This Wood Species
Stay Connected
Follow the latest species additions, educational resources, videos, conservation initiatives, and major project milestones through our Site Updates archive.
The Site Updates archive provides a permanent record of new content, library growth, and future developments across Exotic Woods of the World.