Teak, Thai-Burmese

Tectona grandis

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

Appearance

Color: Heartwood varies from yellow-brown to dark golden brown; turns rich brown under exposure to sunlight. Sapwood is a lighter cream color.
Grain: Straight; coarse, uneven texture.
Variations Within Species And Grades: Moderate to high color variation.

Properties

Hardness/Janka: Janka: Average of 1000; (16% softer than Northern red oak).

Dimensional Stability: Excellent (5.8; 33% more stable than Northern red oak).
Durability:

Workability

Sawing/Machining: Moderate ease in working with hand and machine tools; silica in wood dulls tools quickly; carbide tooling is recommended.
Sanding: Clogs abrasives; frequent sandpaper changes are required. Generally difficult to sand - it may dish out if screened too much with a dull screen, and the edger digs easily.

Nailing: No known problems.
Finishing: Natural oils may interfere with adhesion and drying of some finishes. To reduce the wood's tendency to repel finish coats, surface resins may be removed with a 100% pure solvent (not recycled) that is compatible with the finish to be used.
Comments: Has an oily feel. Respiratory and dermatological allergic potential.

Origin: Asia

Cost

(relative to plain sawn select red oak)
Multiplier: 2.50

Availability

Readily available.