Teak: (Tectona grandis) Ratings 1 to 5 (best):
Available Sizes:
4/4 through 8/4 FEQ
-
Machining
4
-
Nailing
3
-
Screwing
3
-
Gluing
2
-
Finishing
2
Distribution
Occurs in commercial quantities in India, Burma, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, North and South Vietnam, and the East Indies.
General Description
The heartwood varies from yellow-brown to dark golden-brown and eventually turns a rich brown upon exposure to air. Teakwood has a coarse uneven texture, is usually straight grained, and has a distinctly oily feel. The heartwood has excellent dimensional stability and a very high degree of natural durability. Although teak is not generally used in the United States where strength is of importance, its properties are similar with U.S. oaks.
Availability
Reasonable availability.
Working Properties
Teak is generally worked with moderate ease with hand and machine tools. However, the presence of silica often dulls tools. Finishing and gluing are satisfactory, although pretreatment is necessary to ensure good bonding of finishes and glues.
Physical Properties
Teak is one of the most valuable woods, but its use is limited by scarcity and high cost. Because teak does not cause rust or corrosion when in contact with metal, it is extremely useful in the shipbuilding industry, for tanks and vats, and for fixtures that require high acid resistance.
Main Uses
Teak is currently used in the construction of boats, furniture, flooring, decorative objects, and decorative veneer.