Teak Wood Guide 2026
Tectona grandis
Premium durable tropical hardwood with natural weather resistance
Wood Appearance
Natural Grain
Finished Surface
Key Takeaways
- Density: 47 lbs/ft³
- Classification: Hardwood
- Origin: Indonesia;India
- Price: ~$22.75 per board foot
- Common uses include Decking, Boat building, Outdoor furniture
Quick Facts
Representative reference values — natural wood varies by growing region, moisture content and individual board.
Durability, Stability & Workability
Texture: Medium to coarse
Workability: Machines well but high silica content dulls tools. Oily surface — wipe with solvent before gluing.
Fastening: Pre-drilling recommended for screws and nails.
Finishing: Often left unfinished or oiled; wipe oils before finishing.
Color change: Golden brown weathers to silver-gray.
Insect resistance: Highly resistant to termites
Ratings and published values are representative reference figures. Natural wood varies with growing region, moisture content and individual boards — treat them as guidance, not guarantees.
Common Sizes & Availability
Typical market availability for Teak. Lumberama is a sourcing marketplace — actual stock, widths and lengths vary by supplier. Request a quote to confirm what's available for your project.
| Thickness | Rough | Typical surfaced | Typical widths | Common lengths | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/4 | 1" | 13/16" (3/4" common) | Random widths 4–10 in.; wide boards premium | Random lengths 6–12 ft | Request this size |
| 6/4 | 1-1/2" | 1-5/16" | Random widths 4–10 in.; wide boards premium | Random lengths 6–12 ft | Request this size |
| 8/4 | 2" | 1-3/4" | Random widths 4–10 in.; wide boards premium | Random lengths 6–12 ft | Request this size |
- 4/4rough 1"
- Surfaced
- 13/16" (3/4" common)
- Widths
- Random widths 4–10 in.; wide boards premium
- Lengths
- Random lengths 6–12 ft
- 6/4rough 1-1/2"
- Surfaced
- 1-5/16"
- Widths
- Random widths 4–10 in.; wide boards premium
- Lengths
- Random lengths 6–12 ft
- 8/4rough 2"
- Surfaced
- 1-3/4"
- Widths
- Random widths 4–10 in.; wide boards premium
- Lengths
- Random lengths 6–12 ft
Availability notes: Plantation teak widely available; old-growth Burmese teak scarce and costly.
How lumber sizes are described
- Rough (4/4, 8/4…)
- Hardwood thickness in quarters of an inch as sawn, before surfacing. 4/4 = 1" rough.
- Surfaced (S2S/S4S)
- Thickness after planing. 4/4 typically finishes at 13/16" or 3/4".
- Nominal vs. actual
- Construction lumber is sold by nominal size; a 2x6 measures about 1-1/2" x 5-1/2".
- Random width / length
- Most hardwood is sold as it comes from the log — widths and lengths vary within a range rather than being fixed.
Color & Grain
Color: Golden brown; darkens with age
Grain: Ring porous; coarse texture
Common Uses
- Decking
- Boat building
- Outdoor furniture
- Marine
Key Characteristics
Also known as: Plantation Teak;Genuine Teak
Availability: In Stock
Advantages
- Janka indentation hardness: 1,155 lbf
- Heartwood decay rating: Very Durable
- Sourced from Indonesia;India
Considerations
- Pre-drilling recommended for fasteners
- Hardness does not establish decay resistance or structural design strength
- Premium price point
- Availability may vary
Frequently Asked Questions
Alternatives to Consider
Species commonly specified for similar applications when Teak is unavailable or over budget.
Related Species
Compare This Wood
Accoya vs Teak
Accoya is a compelling Teak alternative for most marine applications — it matches Teak's decay resistance at roughly half the cost with superior sustainability. Teak retains its edge for boat deck surfaces where its natural non-slip properties and traditional aesthetic are irreplaceable. For dock and marine construction, Accoya is the forward-thinking choice.
View comparisonSapele vs Teak
Sapele is an excellent Teak alternative for boat trim that will be maintained with regular varnishing. It costs 70% less and looks stunning. However, for exterior trim in constant weather exposure, Teak's ability to survive without finish makes it irreplaceable. Use Sapele where varnish will be maintained, and Teak where it may not be.
View comparisonTeak vs White Oak
Teak is the premium marine wood for above-deck applications where its natural oils, non-slip surface, and minimal maintenance justify the cost. White Oak is the practical choice for structural boat building, offering excellent marine durability at a much lower price. Most well-built boats use both — Oak for structure, Teak for trim and decking.
View comparisonIpe vs Teak
For most dock projects, Ipe delivers the best value — it outlasts Teak and costs significantly less. However, Teak's natural non-slip surface makes it the safer choice for swim docks and areas with barefoot traffic. If budget allows, Teak decking on an Ipe substructure is the ultimate combination.
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