Teak

Handloggers’ Opinion
Teak is a long way from being a top seller for us. Perhaps when it was more abundant it was a more popular choice. It is a beautiful, formal looking wood but is not very hard. It would look best in a formal setting.
Appearance
Color: Heartwood varies from yellow-brown to dark golden brown; turns rich brown under exposure to sunlight. Sapwood is a lighter cream color.
Grain: Straight; coarse, uneven texture.
Variations within species and grades: Moderate to high color variation.
Properties
Hardness/Janka: 1000; 22% softer than Northern red oak.
Dimensional Stability: Excellent (change coefficient .00186; 50% more stable than red oak).
Durability: Strength values are similar to those of American oak.
Workability
Sawing/Machining: Moderate ease in working with hand and machine tools; silica in wood dulls tools quickly: Carbide tooling is recommended.
Sanding: Clogs abrasives; frequent sandpaper changes are required.
Nailing: Good holding ability.
Finishing: Natural oils may interfere with adhesion and drying of some finishes. To reduce the wood’s tendency to repel finish coats, surface resins may be removed with a solvent that is compatible with the finish to be used.
Comments: Has an oily feel. Unique in that it does not cause rust or corrosion when in contact with metal. Respiratory and dermatological allergic potential.

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"Wood Species Used in Wood Flooring, publication A200, ©1994" provided with permission and courtesy of the National Wood Flooring Association.