Wood Species - Teak

TEAK
tectona grandis
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.
From The National Wood Flooring Association's "Wood Species Used in Wood Flooring" information booklet.
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Teak