Teak wood, often called the “King of Woods,” is one of the most durable and luxurious hardwoods in the world. Known for its golden-brown color, high oil content, and natural resistance to decay, teak has been used for centuries in furniture, shipbuilding, and architecture.
But with rising demand and limited supply-global teak production is only around 2 to 2.5 million cubic meters annually (FAO data)-fake or low-quality substitutes are common in the market. Learning how to identify real teak wood is essential for buyers, architects, and homeowners who want long-lasting products.
What is Teak Wood?
Scientific Name: Tectona grandis
Regions Found: Asia (India, Myanmar, Indonesia), Africa, and Latin America
Tree Size: Grows up to 100–130 ft (30–40 m) tall, trunk diameter 3–5 ft (1–1.5 m)
Key Characteristics:
- Naturally durable and weather-resistant
- Rich in natural oils and silica content
- Aesthetic straight grain with golden-brown hues
- Used for outdoor furniture, boat decks, flooring, carvings, and luxury interiors
📌 Fact: India is the largest importer of teak wood, accounting for nearly 74% of the global trade volume, followed by China (16%) and Thailand (10%).
How to Identify Teak Wood: Key Features
When buying teak wood furniture or raw timber, look for these distinguishing features:
1. Weight & Density
- Teak is dense and moderately heavy, weighing 610–750 kg/m³ in dry conditions.
- Feels solid and stable compared to lighter woods.
- Shrinkage coefficient: ~5.3% → makes it dimensionally stable.
✅ Commonly used in furniture, shipbuilding, and carved décor.
2. Color
- Fresh teak: light yellow-brown to golden brown.
- Mature teak: deep golden brown with a uniform appearance.
- Low-quality teak often shows uneven tones or white streaks.
- Exposure to sunlight can darken teak over time.
3. Grain Pattern
- Closed, coarse grain with dark streaks or straight lines.
- Sometimes slightly wavy depending on cut.
- Natural “growth rings” create a distinctive look.
👉 Tip: Fake teak often has overly uniform or printed patterns.
4. Smell (Oil Test)
- Real teak contains natural oils that give it a leather-like scent.
- Teak sawdust feels oily to the touch.
- These oils make teak resistant to water, pests, and fungi.
5. Water Test
- Place a few drops of water on the surface:
- Real teak: Water beads up and takes a long time to soak in.
- Fake teak: Water is absorbed quickly.
This simple test helps spot imitations instantly.
Properties of Teak Wood
Teak wood is prized worldwide due to its unique mechanical, aesthetic, and durability properties.
Durability & Resistance
- Waterproof: Natural oils repel water.
- Weatherproof: Resistant to rain, humidity, and extreme heat.
- Termite & Pest Resistance: Silica content prevents infestations.
- UV Resistance: Protects against sun damage.
Strength & Hardness
- Hardness rating: 1000–1155 on the Janka Wood Hardness Scale.
- Strong enough for ship decks, flooring, and heavy furniture.
Workability
- Easy to cut, carve, and shape.
- Holds screws and adhesives well.
- Excellent for decorative carvings and joinery.
Aesthetic Appeal
- Golden-brown finish that ages beautifully.
- Retains polish and sheen over decades.
- Popular in luxury furniture and heritage heirlooms.
Teak Wood Applications
- Outdoor & Indoor Furniture
- Shipbuilding and Boat Decks
- Flooring & Paneling
- Doors, Windows & Carvings
- Heritage and Luxury Projects
Conclusion
Teak wood is more than just a building material-it’s a legacy investment. Its natural durability, beauty, and resistance to pests make it one of the most sought-after hardwoods in the world.
👉 When purchasing teak furniture or timber, always test its weight, color, grain, smell, and water resistance to ensure authenticity. Choosing genuine teak ensures your investment lasts for generations.
FAQs on Teak Wood
Check its weight, grain pattern, leather-like smell, and water resistance. Real teak repels water and feels oily due to its natural oils.
Due to limited supply, long growth cycles (20–25 years), and high demand worldwide, teak is among the most expensive hardwoods.
With proper care, teak wood furniture can last 50–70 years outdoors and over 100 years indoors.
Myanmar (Burma) teak is considered the highest quality, followed by Indian, Indonesian, and African teak.
Minimal maintenance-occasional cleaning and oiling enhance its natural sheen and longevity.
Apoorva H P Achar