Teak (Thai-Burmese) Wood Flooring

Tectona grandis

Sample is 3/4-by-2-1/4-inch square-edge solid strip.
Top portion is finished with water-base urethane;
bottom with oil-modified polyurethane.

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; carbine 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 oil feel. Unique in that it does not cause rust or corrosion when in contact with metal. Respiratory and dermatological allergic potential.
 

Cost

(relative to plainsawn select red oak)
Multiplier: 2.50
 

Availability

Limited.