Material reference · specification & sourcing
Teak Wood: Identity, Properties, Uses & Selection
Genuine teak is Tectona grandis. Choose it by botanical identity, heartwood content, drying, dimensions and the requirements of the finished assembly—not by the word “teak” alone.
By Lumberama · Updated November 11, 2026 · Editorial standards
Selection at a glance
| Item | Meaning | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Genuine teak | Tectona grandis | State botanical identity |
| Brazilian teak | Usually cumaru | Different species and machining behavior |
| Plantation teak | Grown in plantations | Verify selection and documentation |
| Density reference | 670 kg/m³ at 12% MC | Approx. 41.8 lb/ft³; varies |
Genuine teak and trade names
Brazilian teak usually describes cumaru, not Tectona grandis. African teak and other geographic trade names can refer to different timbers. An attractive golden-brown color, oily feel or a seller’s common name cannot establish botanical identity. Put Tectona grandis on the quotation and invoice when genuine teak is required.
Plantation origin describes how timber was grown, not a uniform grade or guaranteed performance. Ask for country of harvest, supplier traceability and the product documentation required for the transaction. A general sustainability claim is not certification evidence for an individual shipment.
Heartwood, sapwood and appearance
Specify the acceptable sapwood proportion, color variation, knots, end checks and straightness rather than relying on A/B/C grade labels without the seller’s written definition. A furniture blank with color variation can still be suitable for concealed parts, while a narrow boat-deck seam or exposed panel may need a stricter selection.
Approve a representative sample showing both faces and an end section. A single online photograph cannot promise the appearance of a bundle. Keep the approved sample and written tolerances with the order so the acceptance standard is clear.
Density and performance in context
For weight calculations, this guide uses the Queensland Government reference of 670 kg/m³ at 12% moisture content, approximately 41.8 lb/ft³. This is a representative value, not a shipment weight or a minimum product specification. Wet wood and different growing conditions can produce different values.
Hardness, decay resistance, stiffness and dimensional movement describe different behavior. Durable heartwood is not waterproof wood, and weathering to gray does not alone diagnose loss of strength. Good drainage, appropriate joinery and sound support remain necessary.
Machining, bonding and finishing
Teak’s silica can dull cutting edges; use sharp tooling suitable for the selected operation and check a trial cut. Support thin pieces and plan the machining sequence before cutting the whole batch. Dust collection and the tool maker’s operating instructions apply even when a wood is described as easy to machine.
For adhesive work, prepare trial joints and follow the adhesive manufacturer’s instructions for oily hardwood, surface preparation and assembly time. For finishes, decide whether the goal is a natural weathered appearance, retained color or a film finish. Use the chosen coating system’s preparation and maintenance schedule rather than a universal oiling interval.
Specify the application
Outdoor furniture, interior joinery, decking and marine work require different dimensions and selection. For marine decking, seam design, adhesive system, substrate and repair access matter alongside species. A generic teak board is not a complete marine assembly.
State the required finished thickness and width, usable lengths, surface finish, profile, moisture target and quantity. Compare supplier quotes on the same delivered specification, including milling, length selection, freight and expected usable yield.
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Enter what is known. Unspecified details stay marked for confirmation. Nothing is submitted until you review and send the sourcing request.
Review specification text
Material: Teak Wood Application and exposure: To confirm Actual dimensions and lengths: To confirm Grade, faces and selection: To confirm Profile / milling / core: To confirm Moisture or bond classification: To confirm Quantity and unit: To confirm Delivery location, date and access: To confirm
Sources and verification
Reference guidance describes material selection, not a product inspection or engineering approval. Confirm the supplied product, current manufacturer instructions and project requirements. No stock, price, fire rating or service-life guarantee is implied.