Teak
Scientific name: Tectona grandis
Overview
Teak is one of the most well-known and highly respected tropical hardwoods in the world, valued for its exceptional durability, dimensional stability, and natural resistance to moisture, insects, and decay. Native to South and Southeast Asia, teak has been used for centuries in shipbuilding, outdoor furniture, and fine woodworking.
Its high natural oil content and silica give teak performance characteristics that few other hardwoods can match, making it a benchmark species for both indoor and outdoor applications.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Teak, (Burmese)
- Scientific Name: Tectona grandis
- Region: Asian Hardwoods (South & Southeast Asia – India, Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia)
- Tree Size: 80–130 ft tall, 3–5 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 41 lbs/ft³ (655 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 1,070 lbf
- Color: Golden brown to medium brown, often darkening with age
- Grain: Straight
- Texture: Coarse, oily feel
Identification Characteristics
Teak is typically identified by its warm golden-brown coloration and slightly oily surface feel. The grain is usually straight, though mild waviness can occur, and growth rings are often visible on flat-sawn surfaces.
Sapwood is pale yellow to whitish and clearly differentiated from the heartwood.
Key identification traits include:
- Golden to medium brown heartwood
- Medium to coarse texture
- Straight to slightly wavy grain
- Naturally oily feel
Working Properties
Teak is generally easy to work with both hand and power tools, though its high silica content can dull cutting edges more quickly than many other hardwoods.
- Machines cleanly
- Sands smoothly
- Excellent dimensional stability
- Holds fasteners well
- Natural oils may interfere with some adhesives and finishes
Surface preparation is important when gluing or finishing to ensure proper adhesion.
Safety Note
Teak dust may cause skin or respiratory irritation in some individuals. The wood’s natural oils can also trigger sensitivity. Proper dust collection, eye protection, and respiratory protection are recommended during machining and sanding.
Common Uses
Teak is widely used in demanding applications where durability and stability are critical, including:
- Boat decks and marine construction
- Outdoor furniture and decking
- Fine furniture and cabinetry
- Flooring
- Interior and exterior trim
Its natural oils and resistance to moisture and decay make teak especially valued for long-term outdoor and marine environments.
Sustainability & Notes
Teak availability and sustainability vary significantly by source. Plantation-grown teak is widely available and can be responsibly sourced when certified. Older, slow-grown teak—particularly from Myanmar—is now heavily restricted and subject to strict regulations.
Buyers are strongly encouraged to verify legality, certification, and origin when sourcing teak.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Iroko – A durable African hardwood often used as a teak substitute, valued for its resistance to decay and use in outdoor furniture and boat building.
Afrormosia – A tropical hardwood sometimes compared to teak for its strength, stability, and use in furniture and flooring.
Merbau – A dense tropical hardwood commonly used in flooring and exterior applications, generally heavier and less oily than teak.
Related Guides
Best Woods for Outdoor Use
Discover which wood species offer the best natural resistance to rot, moisture, and weather exposure for long-lasting outdoor performance.
Gluing Exotic Woods: Challenges and Solutions
Learn how to properly prepare and bond dense, oily hardwoods to achieve strong, reliable glue joints in exotic wood projects.
Wood Toxicity and Allergies Guide – Learn which wood species may cause skin irritation, respiratory reactions, or allergic responses, along with practical safety recommendations for cutting, sanding, and finishing wood.
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
Teak is highly regarded among collectors for its long service history and proven performance. Older, slow-grown material is often darker, denser, and more uniform in appearance than modern plantation teak.
Collectors typically seek straight-grained, well-seasoned boards with consistent color and minimal sapwood. Plantation teak remains desirable when responsibly sourced, especially for projects where sustainability and stability are priorities.
Video Overview
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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 — check the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources
Related Tools & Products:
- Wood finishing oils to enhance grain and color
- Carbide-tipped saw blades for clean, precise cuts
- High-quality sanding discs for surface preparation
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