16 Types Of Teak Wood, Costs and Their Uses

Teak wood is one of the most sought-after hardwoods, but not all teak species are the same. From the highly durable Burmese Teak to sustainable options like Indonesian Teak and Ghana Teak, each variety has unique characteristics suited for different applications. Factors such as oil content, grain pattern, and resistance to weather determine their quality and best uses. Whether you're looking for premium-grade teak for luxury furniture or a cost-effective alternative for outdoor projects, understanding different teak species will help you make the right choice for durability and aesthetics.

What is teak wood?

Teak wood is a valuable tropical hardwood harvested from the teak tree (Tectona grandis), native to Southeast Asia. It's renowned for its exceptional durability, water resistance, and beautiful golden-brown color that weathers to a silver-gray patina. The wood's natural oils protect it from insects, rot, and warping, making it ideal for outdoor furniture, boat building, and other demanding applications. While traditionally sourced from natural forests, sustainable teak plantations are becoming increasingly important for responsible forestry practices. Its combination of beauty and resilience makes teak a top choice for projects requiring both aesthetic appeal and long-lasting performance.

What can teak wood be used for?

Teak wood's exceptional durability, water resistance, and beautiful appearance make it suitable for a wide range of applications, including:

Outdoor Furniture: Chairs, tables, benches, lounges, and other pieces designed for outdoor use.
Boatbuilding: Decks, railings, hulls, and other components exposed to saltwater and harsh weather.
Decking and Flooring: Both outdoor and indoor flooring that requires durability and resistance to moisture.
Construction: Window frames, door frames, siding, and other structural elements.
Veneer: Thin sheets of teak applied to other materials to give them the look of solid teak.
Cabinetry: High-end cabinets and storage solutions.
Carvings and Sculptures: Decorative objects and artistic creations.
Cutting Boards: Its durability and water resistance make it a good, though expensive, option.
Interior Paneling: Adding a touch of luxury and durability to interior walls.
Small Projects: Turnings, tool handles, and other small wooden items.

> Learn more: What is the difference between wood and plywood?

Types of teak wood based on Origin

1. Burmese Teak (Myanmar Teak)

Burmese Teak, often hailed as the pinnacle of quality among various types of teak, stands apart due to its superior oil content and density, resulting from the unique growing conditions in Myanmar. This exceptional wood boasts unmatched durability, natural resistance to decay and pests, and a rich golden-brown hue that deepens with age, making it a prized choice for boatbuilding, high-end furniture, and other applications demanding both longevity and aesthetic appeal.

2. Indonesian Teak

Indonesian Teak, primarily cultivated in plantations across Java, offers a more sustainable and affordable alternative to Burmese Teak, prized for its generally consistent supply and lighter environmental footprint. While it boasts good durability and water resistance thanks to its natural oils, it typically exhibits a lower density and oil content than old-growth Burmese Teak, resulting in a more variable color and slightly reduced longevity, making it well-suited for furniture, flooring, and decking applications where budget and environmental considerations are paramount, particularly when sourced from FSC-certified plantations.

> Read more: Guide to Common Wood Species

3. Thailand Teak

Thailand Teak, one of the most sought-after teak species, is known for its exceptional quality, rich golden-brown color, and high natural oil content. Native to Thailand's tropical forests, this premium hardwood is highly resistant to moisture, pests, and decay, making it ideal for luxury furniture, shipbuilding, and outdoor applications. Due to strict conservation laws, the export of natural Thailand Teak is limited, increasing its rarity and value. However, sustainable plantations now cultivate this prized teak species, ensuring a steady supply while preserving Thailand’s forests.

4. Indian Teak

Indian Teak, also known as C.P. Teak (Central Provinces Teak) or Nagpur Teak, refers to teak wood grown in India, predominantly in states like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. While Tectona grandis is native to the region, much of the Indian teak available today comes from managed plantations.

5. Chinese Teak

Chinese Teak, often referred to as a teak species alternative, is not true teak (Tectona grandis) but a different hardwood with similar properties. It is commonly sourced from China and other regions where fast-growing plantation woods are cultivated to resemble teak. While Chinese Teak may offer an affordable option for furniture and flooring, it generally lacks the high oil content, durability and weather resistance of authentic teak. Buyers should carefully verify the wood's origin and characteristics to ensure it meets their needs for long-lasting performance.

6. African teak

African Teak is not a true teak (Tectona grandis) but refers to species like Iroko (Milicia excelsa) and Afromosia (Pericopsis elata). These hardwoods share similar properties with genuine teak, offering excellent durability, resistance to moisture, and a rich golden-brown color. African Teak is commonly used in furniture, decking, and boatbuilding as a sustainable alternative to traditional teak. While it lacks the high natural oil content of true teak, it remains a strong and reliable choice among various types of teak wood for outdoor and indoor applications.

7. Ghana Teak

Ghana Teak, a popular teak species, is grown in plantations across Ghana and is valued for its durability, strength, and resistance to decay. As a variety of Tectona grandis, it shares many characteristics with traditional Burmese and Thai teak, including its golden-brown color and natural oil content. Ghana Teak is widely used in furniture, boatbuilding, and construction due to its ability to withstand harsh weather conditions. With sustainable plantation practices, this teak species has become a reliable and eco-friendly alternative to naturally grown teak from Southeast Asia.

8. South American teak

South American Teak is not true Tectona grandis but typically refers to plantation-grown teak or alternative hardwoods with similar characteristics. Countries like Brazil, Ecuador, and Costa Rica cultivate teak on sustainable plantations, producing high-quality wood with good durability, water resistance, and a rich golden-brown hue. While it may have slightly lower oil content than old-growth Asian teak, South American Teak remains a strong and versatile option for furniture, decking, and boatbuilding. Its availability and sustainability make it a popular choice among teak alternatives.

9. Brazilian Teak wood

Brazilian Teak wood, also known as Cumaru (Dipteryx odorata), is often mistaken for true teak species, but it is a distinct hardwood native to South America. It is incredibly dense, durable, and resistant to moisture, rot, and pests, making it an excellent alternative to traditional types of teak wood. Brazilian Teak is commonly used for decking, flooring, and outdoor furniture due to its hardness and rich reddish-brown color. While it lacks the natural oils of Tectona grandis, its strength and longevity make it a sought-after choice for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Types of teak wood based on Grade

This grading system focuses on factors like the presence of knots, color variations, grain patterns, and any defects that might affect the wood's structural integrity or aesthetic appeal. By understanding the differences between teak wood grades A, B, and C, you can make an informed decision about which grade is best suited for your project, balancing your aesthetic preferences, performance requirements, and budget.

1. Grade A Teak

Grade A Teak is the highest quality among all types of teak wood, sourced from the heartwood of fully matured teak trees. This premium teak is exceptionally strong, durable, and rich in natural oils, which enhance its resistance to water, pests, and decay. Its distinctive golden-brown color and uniform grain make it highly desirable for luxury furniture, yacht decks, and high-end outdoor applications. Due to its superior quality and scarcity, Grade A Teak is also the most expensive, offering long-lasting beauty and performance.

2. Grade B Teak

Grade B Teak is a mid-quality option among the types of teak wood, sourced from the sapwood or the area adjacent to the heartwood of a teak tree. It has a lighter color and contains less natural oil, making it less resistant to moisture, pests, and decay compared to Grade A Teak. While it is not as strong or durable, Grade B Teak is still a viable choice for furniture and indoor projects where cost is a primary concern. Proper treatment and maintenance can help improve its longevity and performance.

3. Grade C Teak

Grade C Teak is the lowest quality among the types of teak wood, sourced from the outermost part of a teak tree. It lacks natural oils, making it highly susceptible to moisture, pests, and decay. This wood is weak, prone to damage, and has minimal durability, making it unsuitable for high-quality furniture or outdoor applications. Due to its affordability, Grade C Teak is primarily used for low-grade applications such as packaging materials, temporary structures, and basic wooden products where strength and longevity are not a priority.

Types of teak wood based on Age and Tree Anatomy

1. Old-Growth Teak (Mature Teak)

Old-growth teak, often referred to as mature teak, represents the pinnacle of teak quality. It is teak wood harvested from trees that have grown for a very long time – typically 80 years or more, and sometimes exceeding 100 or even 150 years in natural forests. This extended growth period allows the wood to develop exceptional characteristics that are highly valued.

2. Second-Growth Teak (Young Teak)

Second-growth teak, often called young teak or plantation teak (though not all plantation teak is necessarily young), refers to teak wood harvested from trees that are relatively young, typically between 20 and 40 years old, although some plantations harvest at even younger ages. These trees are usually grown in managed plantations, where they are planted specifically for timber production.

Types of teak wood based on Age and Tree Anatomy

3. Heartwood Teak

Heartwood teak refers to the wood that comes from the inner, non-living part of a mature teak tree (Tectona grandis). It's the most desirable portion of the tree and is prized for its superior properties compared to the sapwood (the outer, living layer).

4. Sapwood Teak

Sapwood teak refers to the outer layer of wood in a teak tree (Tectona grandis), located just beneath the bark. Unlike heartwood, which is composed of dead cells filled with extractives, sapwood is the living, active part of the tree that transports water and nutrients from the roots to the leaves. As a result, sapwood teak has significantly different properties compared to the prized heartwood.

> Read more: What is the structure for wood?

How to identify teak wood

Identifying teak wood can be tricky, especially for the untrained eye, as other woods are often sold as "teak" or used as substitutes. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you identify teak wood, both visually and through other characteristics:

Visual Characteristics

Color: Genuine teak wood has a golden-brown to dark brown hue with a slightly oily or waxy appearance. Over time, it develops a silvery-gray patina if left untreated.
Grain Pattern: Teak has a straight, sometimes wavy grain with a smooth, even texture. The grain is typically tight and dense, unlike cheaper substitutes with irregular patterns.
Dark Streaks: Natural oils within the wood create occasional dark streaks, which enhance its luxurious look.

Texture & Feel

Oily or Waxy Surface: Due to its high natural oil content, teak wood feels slightly oily or greasy to the touch. This helps protect it from water damage and pests.
Smooth Finish: When sanded, teak has a fine, smooth texture with a polished feel, even without additional finishing.

Scent

Real teak emits a mild, leathery or slightly spicy scent, which comes from its natural oils. This is a key distinguishing factor, as many teak substitutes lack any noticeable aroma.

Weight & Density

Authentic teak is relatively heavy compared to softwoods and many hardwood substitutes. Its density contributes to its durability and resistance to wear.

Water & Weather Resistance

Does Not Absorb Water Easily: Due to its natural oils, teak repels water and remains highly resistant to moisture, making it ideal for outdoor use.
Durability: True teak resists rot, termites, and fungal attacks, unlike many imitation woods that degrade over time.