Last updated: May 2026 | Reading time: ~9 minutes
What Is Teak Wood?
Teak wood comes from the tree Tectona grandis, a tropical hardwood species native to South and Southeast Asia, primarily Myanmar (formerly Burma), Thailand, India, and Indonesia. Teak is unique among hardwoods for its naturally high content of oils and silica, which give the wood its legendary resistance to rot, insects, and weathering. The heartwood is a rich golden brown when freshly cut, aging to a distinguished silver-grey patina when exposed to the elements. The sapwood is pale yellowish-white. Teak has a moderately coarse texture with a straight, occasionally wavy grain, and it possesses a distinctive leathery aroma when freshly machined.
What distinguishes teak from other premium hardwoods is its remarkable combination of properties. Its natural oils make it virtually immune to rot and insect attack—teak structures have been known to last over 100 years in marine environments. Its high silica content gives it excellent wear resistance and dimensional stability—teak shrinks and swells less than almost any other commercial wood, which is why it has been the preferred material for ship decks for centuries. It works reasonably well with both power and hand tools, though its silica content can dull cutting edges more quickly than other woods. Perhaps most significantly, teak requires no finish or treatment to perform outdoors—it can be left bare to weather naturally to a beautiful silver-grey, or maintained with teak oil to preserve its golden-brown color. This combination of natural durability, stability, and beauty has made teak the benchmark against which all other outdoor woods are measured.
Types of Teak Wood & Common Applications
While Tectona grandis is the true teak, several related species and regional variations reach the commercial market. Here are the main types you'll encounter:
- Burmese Teak (Tectona grandis – Myanmar): Widely considered the gold standard of teak. Burmese Teak has the highest natural oil content, the most uniform golden-brown color, and the tightest growth rings of any teak source. It's the most stable and durable teak available, and it commands the highest prices. Burmese Teak has been prized for shipbuilding, luxury yacht decks, and fine outdoor furniture for centuries. However, due to political and environmental concerns, Burmese Teak is subject to international trade restrictions in many markets.
- Indonesian Teak (Tectona grandis – Indonesia): The most widely available plantation-grown teak. Indonesian Teak, particularly from Java, is grown in managed plantations that produce consistent, high-quality lumber. It's slightly lighter in color and has a slightly lower oil content than Burmese Teak, but it's still an excellent outdoor wood with outstanding durability. Indonesian plantation teak is the primary source for the global teak market today.
- Indian Teak (Tectona grandis – India): Native to the Indian subcontinent, Indian Teak is similar in quality to Burmese Teak, with high oil content and excellent durability. However, India's domestic demand for teak is so high that relatively little reaches the international market. Indian Teak is typically used domestically for furniture, doors, and architectural elements.
- African Teak / Iroko (Milicia excelsa): Not a true teak, but often marketed as "African Teak" due to its similar appearance and durability. Iroko is a West African hardwood with a golden-brown color that darkens with age and excellent natural durability. It's significantly less expensive than true teak and is often used as a substitute in outdoor furniture and boat building. Iroko lacks teak's natural oils but offers comparable rot resistance.
- Brazilian Teak / Cumaru (Dipteryx odorata): Also not a true teak. Cumaru is a South American hardwood with a rich golden-brown to reddish-brown color and exceptional hardness (Janka ~14,800 N—more than twice as hard as true teak). It's often marketed as "Brazilian Teak" for outdoor decking and flooring. Cumaru offers excellent durability and is less expensive than true teak, though it's much harder and more difficult to work with.
- Plantation Teak: Teak grown in managed plantations, primarily in Indonesia, India, and Central America. Plantation teak grows faster than old-growth teak, resulting in wider growth rings and slightly lower oil content. It's more affordable than old-growth teak and offers a more sustainable option, though some argue it lacks the density and stability of old-growth material. Plantation teak is the future of the teak market as old-growth supplies dwindle.
Factors Affecting Teak Wood Price Per m³
Teak is one of the most expensive hardwoods on the global market, and its pricing reflects a complex interplay of source, quality, sustainability, and global demand. Here's what shapes the figure on your quote:
- Source and Origin: Burmese Teak commands the highest prices due to its legendary quality, but international trade restrictions and limited supply have made it increasingly scarce. Indonesian plantation teak is the most widely available and represents the benchmark for commercial teak pricing. Indian Teak rarely reaches international markets. The price difference between premium Burmese Teak and Indonesian plantation teak can be 50–100%.
- Old-Growth vs. Plantation: Old-growth teak, from naturally grown trees that are 80–200 years old, has tighter growth rings, higher oil content, and superior dimensional stability. It commands a significant premium over plantation teak, which grows faster with wider growth rings and slightly lower oil content. As old-growth teak supplies have dwindled, the price gap between old-growth and plantation material has widened. Today, most commercially available teak is plantation-grown.
- Grade and Appearance: The highest-priced teak is "A-grade" or "Premium" — boards that are uniformly golden-brown, with minimal color variation and no knots, sapwood, or defects. "B-grade" teak allows some color variation and occasional knots. "C-grade" teak includes significant color variation, knots, and possibly sapwood. The price difference between A-grade and C-grade teak can be 30–50%. For outdoor furniture where appearance matters, A-grade is the standard; for decking where the wood will weather anyway, B-grade offers better value.
- Sustainability and Certification: Teak has a complex environmental history. Old-growth teak from Myanmar has been associated with deforestation and human rights concerns, leading to international sanctions in some markets. Certified plantation teak (FSC or PEFC) from Indonesia or Central America carries a premium but offers assurance of sustainable sourcing. The price difference between certified and non-certified teak can be 10–20%, and many buyers consider the premium worth it for environmental peace of mind.
- Dimensions and Cuttings: Teak trees grow large—mature plantation trees can reach 30–40 meters with trunk diameters exceeding 1 meter. Wide boards (over 300mm) are available, though very wide stock commands a premium. Thick stock (50mm and above) is also available, though it's more expensive per cubic meter than thinner stock due to the longer drying time required.
- Moisture Content and Drying: Teak is notably difficult to dry due to its high oil content, which slows moisture movement. Properly kiln-dried teak at 8–10% moisture content is standard for furniture and interior work. Air-dried teak is available but may require additional conditioning. The difficulty of drying teak adds to its cost, particularly for thick stock.
- Global Demand: Teak is a globally traded commodity with strong demand from luxury yacht builders, high-end furniture manufacturers, and architectural markets worldwide. Growing middle-class wealth in Asia has increased demand for teak furniture, putting upward pressure on prices. Unlike maple or poplar, which are primarily domestic markets, teak's price is influenced by global supply and demand dynamics.
Teak Wood Price Per Cubic Meter
The table below provides approximate price ranges for different teak species, grades, and types. These reflect typical pricing for moderate-sized orders from hardwood suppliers—actual quotes will vary with location, order volume, and current market conditions. Use these as a budgeting framework.
| Teak Type & Grade | Average Price per m³ | Common Use | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plantation Teak (B-Grade) | $2,500 – $4,000 | Decking, outdoor furniture, utility applications | Allows color variation and occasional knots, best value for outdoor use |
| Plantation Teak (A-Grade) | $4,000 – $6,000 | Fine outdoor furniture, yacht decking, architectural millwork | Uniform golden-brown color, minimal defects, standard for premium work |
| Burmese Teak (Old-Growth / Premium) | $7,000 – $12,000+ | Luxury yacht decks, heirloom furniture, high-end architectural work | Highest oil content, tightest grain, legendary quality and durability |
| Indonesian Teak (Plantation / Select) | $3,500 – $5,500 | Outdoor furniture, decking, flooring, boat building | Most widely available teak, excellent quality for the price |
| African Teak / Iroko | $1,500 – $2,500 | Outdoor furniture, boat building, decking | Not true teak, but similar appearance and durability, much more affordable |
| Brazilian Teak / Cumaru | $1,800 – $3,000 | Decking, flooring, outdoor furniture | Not true teak, extremely hard and durable, more difficult to work |
Important: All prices shown are indicative estimates only. Teak pricing is highly variable depending on source, grade, and certification status. Burmese Teak is subject to international trade restrictions in many markets—verify legality and certification before purchasing. Plantation teak from Indonesia is the most widely available and represents the best balance of quality, price, and sustainability. Always request current quotes for your specific requirements.
📊 Teak vs. Iroko Note: While this guide focuses on true teak (Tectona grandis), it's worth noting that African Teak (Iroko) is a common and significantly more affordable substitute. Iroko offers similar natural durability and a comparable golden-brown appearance, but at roughly half the price of true teak. The key differences: Iroko lacks teak's natural oils (though it's equally rot-resistant), it's slightly more difficult to work with, and it can sometimes cause skin irritation when freshly machined. For budget-conscious outdoor projects where true teak's premium price is prohibitive, Iroko is an excellent alternative. For a deeper dive into how teak compares to other species on cost and performance, see our hardwood timber price comparison.
How to Calculate Teak Wood Cost
Teak is sold by the cubic meter in international markets, and by the board foot in some North American suppliers. The volume-based calculation is the standard for comparing bulk prices:
Total Cost = Cubic Meters × Price per m³
For example, 0.3 m³ of A-grade plantation teak at $5,000/m³ comes to approximately $1,500, excluding delivery, taxes, and any surfacing or cutting surcharges. In board foot terms, 0.3 m³ represents roughly 127 board feet—enough for a substantial outdoor furniture project or a small deck.
In practice, teak is typically bought by the board or by the piece rather than by bulk cubic meters, particularly for outdoor furniture projects. A typical teak outdoor dining set might use 0.2–0.4 m³ (85–170 board feet). When comparing supplier prices, convert everything to the same unit. Many suppliers sell teak in specific dimensions—decking boards, furniture components, or dimensional lumber—rather than random-width boards. For outdoor projects, B-grade teak is often the practical choice; for furniture where appearance matters, A-grade is the standard. Once you've estimated your material volumes, you can use our timber price calculator to factor in species, grade, and processing options for a more accurate project estimate.
Is Teak Wood the Right Choice for Your Project?
Teak delivers a combination of natural durability, dimensional stability, and timeless beauty that no other hardwood can match. For outdoor furniture, yacht decks, and any application where the wood will be exposed to the elements, teak is the benchmark against which all other woods are measured. It's expensive—among the most expensive hardwoods on the market—but it's also one of the few woods that can be left outdoors bare, with no finish or treatment, and still look beautiful after decades of exposure.
The wood works reasonably well with both power and hand tools, though its high silica content dulls cutting edges more quickly than other woods—expect to sharpen tools more frequently when working teak. Its natural oils mean that gluing requires special attention: freshly machined surfaces should be wiped with acetone to remove surface oils before gluing, and epoxy or polyurethane adhesives are recommended over standard wood glue. Teak finishes beautifully—when a finish is desired, teak oil or Danish oil enhances the natural golden-brown color, or the wood can be left bare to weather to a distinguished silver-grey. For interior applications, teak's rich color and stability make it an excellent choice for flooring, countertops, and fine furniture.
Teak does have limitations. Its price is prohibitive for many projects, and its silica content makes it demanding on tools. Teak's natural oils can also interfere with some finishes and adhesives if not properly addressed. The wood is moderately heavy and can be difficult to find in large quantities outside specialty suppliers. For outdoor applications where budget is a primary concern, alternatives like Iroko, Cumaru, or thermally modified woods offer similar durability at a fraction of the price. For indoor applications, walnut or cherry offer comparable beauty at lower cost. But for the ultimate in outdoor performance and timeless elegance, teak remains in a class of its own. We've explored similar tradeoffs in our hardwood vs softwood cost comparison.
What to Look for When Buying Teak Wood
Teak quality varies significantly with source, grade, and handling. Here are practical checks for selecting good stock:
- Verify the source and certification: Teak's complex supply chain means that source matters. Ask your supplier where the teak comes from—Indonesian plantation teak is the most widely available and generally the most sustainable choice. If buying Burmese Teak, verify that it's legally sourced and certified, as old-growth Burmese Teak is subject to international trade restrictions. FSC or PEFC certification provides assurance of sustainable sourcing and is worth the premium for environmentally conscious buyers.
- Check for genuine teak vs. substitutes: Many woods are marketed as "teak" that aren't true teak. Iroko (African Teak), Cumaru (Brazilian Teak), and even some tropical species are sold under the teak name. True teak (Tectona grandis) has a distinctive golden-brown color, a slightly oily feel, and a leathery aroma when freshly machined. If you're paying for true teak, verify the species with your supplier. Substitutes can be excellent choices but shouldn't be priced as true teak.
- Inspect color consistency for your project: Teak naturally varies in color from golden brown to darker brown, sometimes with darker streaks. If you need uniform color, specify A-grade or Premium stock. For outdoor furniture where the wood will weather to silver-grey anyway, B-grade with some color variation is perfectly suitable and more economical.
- Check for knots and defects: A-grade teak should have minimal knots and no sapwood. B-grade allows occasional small knots. C-grade includes significant knots and possibly sapwood. For structural applications like decking, knots are a concern—they can weaken boards and create water traps. For furniture, small knots may be acceptable depending on the design.
- Inspect for drying defects: Teak is difficult to dry due to its high oil content, and improperly dried teak can develop checking and warping. Look for end checking (small cracks at board ends—normal within a few centimeters), surface checking (fine cracks on the face—less acceptable), and warping. Properly kiln-dried teak from a reputable mill should show minimal surface defects.
- Consider reclaimed teak: Reclaimed teak, sourced from old buildings, boats, and structures, offers a sustainable alternative to new teak at a potentially lower price. Reclaimed teak often comes from old-growth trees, with tight grain and high oil content. It has a weathered appearance that many find attractive, and it's an environmentally responsible choice. Reclaimed teak is typically sold through specialty suppliers.
Storing and Handling Teak Wood Before Use
Teak is one of the most stable woods available, with exceptionally low shrinkage coefficients that mean properly dried teak stays flat and true through seasonal changes. However, like all woods, it responds to humidity variations and requires proper storage to perform at its best. Proper storage between purchase and use makes a real difference to how the wood performs during and after construction.
Store teak boards flat with evenly spaced stickers between layers, aligned vertically so weight transfers straight down. Keep the stack off the ground on level bearers, and if possible, store it in the same environment where the finished piece will live—or allow at least a week of acclimatization time before final milling. Teak machines with sharp carbide-tipped tools, but its high silica content dulls cutting edges quickly—expect to sharpen tools more frequently than when working with other hardwoods. For glued joints, wipe freshly machined surfaces with acetone to remove surface oils, then glue within a few hours using epoxy or polyurethane adhesive for optimal strength. For comprehensive storage guidance, see our article on how to store timber correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Teak's high price reflects a combination of factors. First, it's a slow-growing tropical hardwood—plantation teak takes 40–60 years to reach harvestable size, and old-growth teak takes 80–200 years. Second, global demand is strong, driven by luxury yacht builders, high-end furniture manufacturers, and architectural markets worldwide. Third, old-growth teak supplies have dwindled significantly, and remaining supplies are subject to trade restrictions in many markets. Fourth, teak is difficult to dry and process, which adds to production costs. Finally, teak's unique properties—natural rot resistance, dimensional stability, and beauty—mean there are few true substitutes. All of these factors combine to make teak one of the most expensive hardwoods on the global market, typically priced 5–10 times higher than domestic hardwoods like oak or maple.
No—teak is one of the few woods that genuinely requires no finish or treatment, even outdoors. Its natural oils provide built-in protection against rot, insects, and weathering. When left bare outdoors, teak will naturally weather to a beautiful silver-grey patina over 6–12 months. This weathered surface is purely cosmetic—the wood's structural integrity and durability remain completely intact. Many people prefer the silver-grey patina for its elegant, understated appearance. If you prefer to maintain the golden-brown color, teak oil or Danish oil can be applied once or twice a year. However, this is an aesthetic choice, not a requirement. Avoid film-forming finishes like varnish or polyurethane on outdoor teak—they will crack and peel as the wood moves naturally. For indoor teak, any quality clear finish works well, but many prefer a simple oil finish that enhances the wood's natural beauty.
Yes—teak is an excellent choice for indoor applications. Its rich golden-brown color, dimensional stability, and natural beauty make it well-suited for flooring, furniture, countertops, and architectural millwork. Teak's exceptional dimensional stability is particularly valuable for indoor applications where humidity changes can cause other woods to expand, contract, and warp. It's also naturally resistant to insects, which is an advantage in regions where termites and other pests are a concern. The one consideration is cost—teak's premium price means it's typically reserved for high-end interiors where its unique properties justify the investment. For indoor applications where the wood won't be exposed to moisture, domestic hardwoods like walnut, cherry, or maple offer comparable beauty at significantly lower cost. Teak's true value proposition is in applications where its natural durability and stability provide advantages that justify the premium.
The sustainability of teak depends on its source. Old-growth teak from natural forests, particularly in Myanmar, has a problematic history—overharvesting has depleted natural teak forests, and the industry has been associated with deforestation and human rights concerns. For this reason, Burmese Teak is subject to international trade restrictions in many markets. However, plantation teak from Indonesia, India, and Central America is generally sustainable—these plantations are managed for long-term production, with trees replanted after harvest. FSC and PEFC certification provides assurance of sustainable sourcing. When buying teak, look for certification and verify the source. Plantation teak from certified sources is an environmentally responsible choice, particularly compared to old-growth teak from unmanaged forests. For the most sustainable option, consider reclaimed teak, which repurposes wood from old structures and requires no new harvesting.
Teak (Tectona grandis) and Iroko (Milicia excelsa, often called African Teak) are often compared because they share similar outdoor durability and a golden-brown appearance. However, they're distinct species with important differences. True teak has natural oils that give it its characteristic weather resistance and make it naturally water-repellent. Iroko lacks these oils but is still exceptionally rot-resistant—it performs similarly to teak in outdoor applications. Teak is generally more stable and easier to work with, while Iroko is slightly harder and can sometimes cause skin irritation when freshly machined. In terms of appearance, teak tends to have a more uniform golden-brown color, while Iroko can show more variation and typically darkens over time. The most significant difference is price—Iroko typically costs about half what true teak does. For budget-conscious outdoor projects, Iroko offers excellent value as a teak substitute.
Teak can be used for cutting boards and butcher blocks, but it has both advantages and disadvantages. On the positive side, teak's natural oils make it water-resistant and naturally antimicrobial—properties that are valuable for food preparation surfaces. Its dimensional stability means it won't warp or crack with regular washing. However, teak's high silica content makes it abrasive to knife edges—it will dull knives more quickly than other woods like maple or walnut. The silica can also leave fine scratches on knife blades over time. Teak's premium price also makes it an expensive choice for cutting boards when more affordable options like maple or walnut perform well. Some people also find that teak's natural oils can impart a slight flavor to food. For these reasons, maple remains the preferred choice for cutting boards and butcher blocks. If you do use teak, it should be food-safe and unsealed.
Reclaimed teak is teak wood that has been salvaged from old structures—typically buildings, boats, bridges, and furniture—and repurposed for new projects. Reclaimed teak often comes from old-growth trees that are no longer available through new harvesting, giving it exceptionally tight grain, high oil content, and superior durability compared to modern plantation teak. It has a weathered, character-rich appearance that many people find attractive, with subtle color variations and occasional nail holes or other marks of its previous life. Reclaimed teak is an environmentally responsible choice—it requires no new harvesting and gives new life to wood that would otherwise be discarded. It's typically sold through specialty suppliers and may be priced comparably to or slightly below new A-grade teak, depending on the source and condition. For projects where character, sustainability, and quality matter, reclaimed teak is an excellent option.
Conclusion
The teak wood price per cubic meter positions it as one of the most expensive hardwoods on the global market—and for good reason. Teak's combination of natural rot resistance, exceptional dimensional stability, and timeless beauty makes it uniquely suited to outdoor applications where other woods would fail. For yacht decks, fine outdoor furniture, and architectural millwork, teak is the benchmark against which all other woods are measured. Understanding the differences between Burmese Teak, Indonesian plantation teak, and the various substitutes helps you match the material to the project and avoid paying premium prices for characteristics you don't need.
Whether you're selecting boards for outdoor furniture, sourcing A-grade teak for a yacht deck, or considering reclaimed teak for its character and sustainability, teak rewards careful selection and proper handling. Verify the source and certification, allow adequate acclimatization time, use sharp carbide-tipped tools for clean machining, and remember that teak can be left bare outdoors to weather naturally to a beautiful silver-grey. For projects where budget is a primary concern, alternatives like Iroko or thermally modified woods offer similar durability at a fraction of the price. But for the ultimate in outdoor performance and timeless elegance, teak remains in a class of its own.
If you're comparing teak with other hardwood options for your project, our hardwood timber price comparison provides a useful side-by-side look at how different species compare on cost, durability, and working properties.
About NiceTimber Editorial Team
This article was researched, written, and reviewed by the NiceTimber Editorial Team. Our team creates educational resources covering timber, lumber, woodworking, construction materials, pricing, and wood maintenance. Every article is written to be clear, practical, and as accurate as possible based on publicly available industry information. We review our articles periodically to keep them up to date as industry standards and best practices evolve.