Teak
Tectona grandis
Also known as: Burmese Teak, True Teak
Exotic / ImportedPremiumCITES ProtectedFSC Available
Janka Hardness
1,070 lbf
4.8 kN
Density
630 kg/m³
2.64 lbs/bf
Grain
Straight to wavy
Texture: Coarse
Figure
Minimal figure; occasional fiddleback
Drying
Easy
Movement: Stable
Origin
South/Southeast Asia (Myanmar, India, Thailand); widely plantation-grown
Lamiaceae
Plain-Language Guide
Teak is globally recognized for outdoor durability — and that reputation is earned. The oil content that makes it weather-resistant also makes gluing and finishing more involved. Always verify provenance: plantation teak is widely available and ethically sound; wild-harvested is not.
Common Mistakes
- Skipping the solvent wipe before gluing — teak's natural oils will prevent adhesive from bonding properly
- Assuming all 'teak' is equal — plantation vs old-growth varies significantly in stability and workability
- Working without a respirator — teak sensitization is real and cumulative
Color & Appearance
Heartwood
Sapwood
Golden brown to dark brown heartwood, developing a silver-grey patina outdoors without finish. One of the most recognizable wood tones globally.
Workability
Hand Tools
Moderate
Machine Tools
Moderate
Gluing
Difficult
Finishing
Moderate
Turning
Not typically used
Carving
Not typically used
Natural silica content blunts tools quickly — carbide required. High oil content makes gluing challenging; surfaces must be wiped with acetone or solvent before adhesive application. Worth the effort for outdoor applications.
Global Availability
| Region | Availability |
|---|---|
| North America | Regional / select dealers |
| Europe | Widely available |
| Australia / NZ | Regional / select dealers |
| Southeast Asia | Widely available |
| South America | Regional / select dealers |
| Africa / Middle East | Regional / select dealers |
Health & Safety
Allergen Risk
High
CITES Status
None (plantation teak)
Notes
A known sensitizer. Dust causes skin and respiratory reactions in many woodworkers. Respirator strongly recommended. Tectoquinone in dust is a sensitizer and irritant
Common Uses
Boat building Outdoor furniture Decking Flooring Veneer
Sustainability: Wild-harvested teak from Myanmar is ethically problematic. Plantation teak from Indonesia, Costa Rica, and elsewhere is widely available and FSC-certifiable.