Teak, Brazilian

Cumaru, Tonka, S.Chestnut

Top portion of sample has water-based finish. Bottom portion is oil-based finish.

Appearance

Color: At first, red-brown or purple-brown with light yellow-brown or purple streaks; after exposure, uniform light brown or yellow-brown.
Grain: Fine texture, interlocked, waxy or oily feel.
Variations Within Species And Grades: Dramatic shading that mellows as the floor matures.

Properties

Hardness/Janka: Janka: 3540 (174% harder than Northern red oak.
Dimensional Stability: Average (7.6; 12% more stable than red oak).
Durability:

Workability

Sawing/Machining: Works well, but is very hard - use carbide blades and bits.
Sanding: Difficult. Scratches are easily seen - each sanding must carefully remove the scratches from the previous cut, or sanding marks will be visible in the finish.
Nailing: Pre-drilling and hand-nailing are preferred.
Finishing: Test all products before using them on the actual job site. Oil-modified finishes may not dry when applied over this wood if standard procedures are followed. Moisture-cure urethane, conversion varnish and waterborne finishes are generally more successful
Comments: Has been known to cause contact dermatitis.

Origin: South America

Availability

Moderately available.