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Teak Wood

Tectona grandis · Southeast Asia (Myanmar, Indonesia, Thailand)

Exotic Hardwood
$$$
Janka Hardness
1,070 lbf
Density
41 lbs/ft³
Fire Rating
Class B
Durability
25+ years
Color
Warm golden-brown to medium brown
Price Range
$$$

About Teak

Teak is the world's most recognized premium outdoor wood, renowned for its unmatched natural weather resistance and timeless golden-brown beauty. Teak's exceptional natural oil content — higher than virtually any other wood — makes it inherently waterproof, rot-proof, and insect-resistant without any chemical treatment. For centuries, Teak has been the wood of choice for shipbuilding, yacht decks, and luxury outdoor furniture. Today, sustainably plantation-grown Teak delivers the same legendary performance for residential decking, outdoor living spaces, and marine applications with a proven 25+ year lifespan.

Teak wood grain texture

Shop Teak by Application

Key Characteristics

  • Highest natural oil content of any commercial wood
  • Exceptional moisture and weather resistance
  • Outstanding dimensional stability
  • Natural slip resistance when wet
  • Naturally resistant to rot, insects, and marine borers
  • Ages to a beautiful silver-gray patina
  • Moderate hardness — easier to work than Ipe
  • Pleasant leather-like aroma

Common Applications

  • Marine decking and yacht interiors
  • Premium outdoor furniture
  • Residential and commercial decking
  • Boat building
  • Outdoor countertops
  • Pool surrounds
  • Luxury flooring
  • Exterior joinery and millwork

Maintenance & Care

Teak is the lowest-maintenance outdoor wood available. It can be left completely untreated to weather to a beautiful silver-gray patina. To maintain the golden-brown color, apply teak oil 1-2 times per year. For marine applications, use a teak cleaner and brightener periodically. Avoid varnish — penetrating oils work best with Teak's natural oil content.

Advantages

The gold standard for marine and outdoor wood
Highest natural weather resistance of any wood
Extremely low maintenance requirements
25+ year proven outdoor lifespan
Beautiful color and smooth texture
Naturally slip-resistant when wet
Moderate weight — easier to handle than Ipe
Plantation-grown options for sustainability

Considerations

Premium price point — one of the most expensive woods
Natural oils can make gluing difficult
Choose FSC-certified plantation Teak for sustainability
Color will change without UV protection
Moderate hardness — can dent easier than Ipe
Quality varies between plantation and old-growth
Can be slippery when wet without texture
Limited domestic availability

Installation Considerations

  • Pre-drill recommended but easier to work than Ipe/Cumaru
  • Natural oils make gluing difficult — mechanical fastening preferred
  • Allow 3/16" gap between boards for drainage
  • Acclimate 5-7 days before installation
  • Use penetrating oil finishes — film-forming finishes may peel

Fasteners & Tools Required

  • Stainless steel screws (316 grade for marine applications)
  • Hidden fastener systems work well with Teak
  • Marine-grade hardware for dock/boat applications

Available Sizes & Profiles

1x6
5/4x6
2x6
1x4
Custom Milling

Custom sizes and lengths available. Request a custom quote.

Compare Teak vs Other Species

Compare Similar Species

Project Resources

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