Content Menu
● Major Teak Producing Regions
>> Asia: The Heart of Wild & Plantation Teak
>> Latin America: The Boom of Sustainable Plantations
>> Africa: Steady Growth in Export Markets
● Primary Ways to Buy Teak Wood
>> Local Timber Yards & Specialty Suppliers
>> Furniture and Finished Goods
● Understanding Teak Wood Quality Grades
● Certifications and Sustainable Sourcing
● Sustainable and Ethical Considerations
● Teak Wood for Boat Building and Marine Uses
● Teak Wood Care and Maintenance
● Importing Teak Wood: Key Regulations
● Environmental Impact of Teak Logging
● Teak Wood vs Other Hardwoods
● Teak Wood Price Trends (2025)
● FAQ: Where Can I Get Teak Wood?
>> 1. Where is teak wood most commonly found?
>> 2. Is it legal and sustainable to buy teak?
>> 3. How much does teak wood cost?
>> 4. Can I buy teak wood online?
>> 5. What is plantation teak?
Teak wood is renowned for its outstanding durability, elegant golden-brown colors, and exceptional resistance to water, pests, and decay. From premium outdoor furniture to luxury yachts and timeless flooring, teak's superior properties make it a preferred choice for demanding projects worldwide. Yet sourcing genuine, sustainable teak—at the right grade and price—poses unique challenges for buyers ranging from woodworkers to architects. This definitive guide explores every facet of the global teak market to equip you with the insights and resources to find—and purchase—the right teak for your needs.
Teak (*Tectona grandis*) hails from tropical Asian forests, though today it is grown and harvested in varied climates worldwide. Its unique blend of straight grain, high oil content, and splendid color make it ideally suited for outdoor and marine applications. As consumer demand and international regulation have evolved, the pathways to buying teak have diversified, necessitating a keen understanding of market sources, sustainability certifications, real-world pricing, and care regimens.[1][2][3]
- Myanmar (Burma) has historically been the main source of “old-growth” teak, prized for length and clarity, but today strict export controls and sustainability concerns have sharply limited supply.
- India and Thailand produce significant volumes, mainly from large, government-managed plantations.
- Indonesia is the world's premier source for ethically-grown plantation teak, exported globally and renowned for strict certification and quality grading.[4][2][5]
- Costa Rica and Brazil have emerged as major suppliers of FSC-certified plantation teak, supporting both international trade and eco-conscious sourcing.[6][7]
- Ecuador and other Central/South American nations offer competitive, high-grade teak for export.
- Ghana, Nigeria, and other African nations now supply plantation-grown teak, much of it destined for European and Asian buyers.
Tip: Always verify exact species and grade. Some markets mislabel other tropical hardwoods as “teak”—true teak is always *Tectona grandis*.
Authorized online marketplaces make buying teak faster and more transparent. Well-established sellers include:
- Advantage Lumber (US/global)
- Woodworkers Source (bespoke sizes for hobbyists and pros)
- Brazilian Lumber (variety of grades, competitive pricing)
- Mys-Teak (Costa Rica, 100% FSC)
- Cook Woods (custom cuts and samples)
- Posteak Furniture (Indonesian manufacturer/exporter)[8]
Online retailers offer direct-to-door shipping, extensive product information, and customer reviews. Always check for origin certificates, especially for high-value projects.
Traditional lumberyards offer teak in stock sizes as well as custom orders. These suppliers are valuable for inspecting wood in person to assess grain, moisture, and color. Marine yards are ideal for boat-building or decking projects due to their stock of premium grades.
For commercial-scale needs, importing directly from plantations in India, Costa Rica, Indonesia, or Africa provides cost advantages. This requires handling logistics, permits, and minimum order volumes. It's essential for large builds, renovations, or specialty contracts.
Major furniture brands such as HiTeak, Three Birds Casual, Panama Jack, and Lloyd Flanders produce luxury teak outdoor collections, sourcing certified wood and providing export/import options.[9]
Teak's quality is graded as A, B, or C:
| Grade | Source | Oil Content | Color & Grain | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade A | Heartwood (tree core) | High | Even golden, straight grain | Marine, high-end furniture |
| Grade B | Outer heartwood | Moderate | Lighter, uneven, some knots | Garden, mid-range furniture |
| Grade C | Sapwood/immature tree | Low to negligible | Uneven, knotty, soft | Low-cost/indoor, rarely used |
Grade A teak commands the highest price and is naturally the most weather- and rot-resistant, ideal for outdoor and marine use. Grade B may be suitable for garden or interior projects, while Grade C is of inferior strength and longevity.[2][4][1]
Certification is crucial to ensure sustainability, legality, and ethical practices:
- FSC (Forest Stewardship Council): Indicates independently verified sustainable practices.[10][11][6]
- PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification): Focuses on national standards, broad adoption, and full chain-of-custody transparency.[11][10]
- SVLK (Indonesian Timber Legality Assurance System): Regulates legality of all exported Indonesian timber, including teak.[8]
- CITES: Regulates trading of wild teak from restricted or endangered habitats.
Certification guarantees not just the legality, but also the ethical and environmental responsibility of the wood—crucial for ecological impact and project reputation.
Unsustainable harvesting is a major issue, particularly in Myanmar's dwindling forests. Illegal logging, monoculture plantations, and land displacement harm biodiversity and indigenous communities. Properly managed plantations increase carbon sequestration, support crop diversity, reduce labor exploitation, and provide alternative income for local populations.[12][6]
When sourcing teak, always look for certified plantation wood from FSC/PEFC providers or manufacturers citing local-social responsibility.
Teak remains the gold standard for boat decks, hulls, trims, and interiors thanks to:
- Superior resistance to saltwater, moisture, and rot
- High density and toughness
- Natural slip resistance and luxurious appearance
These attributes ensure teak outlasts most alternatives and withstands demanding marine conditions with minimal upkeep. Only A-grade or marine-grade teak should be used for such applications.[13][14]
Teak's natural oils greatly reduce decay and maintenance needs, but regular care ensures longevity:
Basic Care Routine:
- Clean bi-annually with mild soap and water or diluted vinegar; scrub with soft plastic brush, rinse thoroughly.
- Avoid pressure washing, metal brushes, and harsh chemicals to protect grain.
- Apply teak sealer yearly for outdoor pieces—teak oil is best reserved for indoor applications.
- Sand lightly to remove stains or revive color; sealing preserves natural hues and protects against UV and moisture.
- Store furniture dry, covered, and safe from standing water. Repair silver-gray patinas or revive honey tones as needed.[15][16]
For boats, regular sealing and inspection is vital to keep decks strong and visually sharp.
Import rules vary by country. For example, in the US:
- USDA requires a PPQ (Plant Protection and Quarantine) permit (Form 585) for all unmanufactured wood (logs, lumber); permit is free, approval in ~30 days.
- Teak must be fumigated and must have a phytosanitary certificate verifying absence of pests/disease.
- Customs clearance usually requires full documentation, and teak may enter duty-free depending on country of origin, though some types (like Brazilian Cumaru) may incur duties.[17][18]
- Finished products (furniture, flooring) follow different tariffs.
Always verify local laws and consult with customs brokers prior to import—proper paperwork avoids delays and extra costs.
Teak plantation expansion can lead to habitat loss, soil degradation, water contamination, and carbon emissions. Unsustainable production—particularly in sensitive forests—amplifies climate impact:
- Deforestation and loss of biodiversity
- Chemical runoff damaging ecosystems
- Community displacement and loss of local livelihoods
Mitigation: Favor reforestation, selective logging, and certified sustainable methods to minimize footprint and support eco-friendly markets.[12][6]
Comparing teak to oak and other premium woods:
| Teak | Oak | Other Hardwoods | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | Extremely hard and dense | Strong, but less dense | Varies |
| Resistance | Water, rot, pests, weather | Moderate – can scratch/dent | Depends on species |
| Maintenance | Minimal if sealed, periodic cleaning | Requires sealing, scratches more | Depends |
| Cost | High, up to $80/ft in 2025 | Moderate to high | Often lower |
| Best Uses | Outdoors, marine, luxury furniture | Indoors, flooring, value use | Varies |
Teak stands alone for outdoor, marine, and luxury applications, while oak is better for interiors where budget and style make sense.
Global prices for teak remain high. Factors include grade, certification, and origin:
- Grade A teak (especially with FSC or PEFC certifications) attracts top rates.
- Plantation and certified sustainable teak offers affordability over old-growth options.
- In 2025, expect prices from $10 to $80 per board foot; discounts may apply for bulk or off-peak purchasing.[19][17]
Always compare rates and ensure clarity on delivery charges and minimum order requirements.
Sourcing teak wood for a project—be it furniture, boat building, flooring, or architectural design—requires careful research and attention to sustainability, grade, supplier reputation, certification, and logistics. By seeking FSC/PEFC-certified plantation sources, understanding grading standards, and adhering to import regulations, buyers safeguard both the ecosystem and their investment.
With economies worldwide recognizing the crucial role of teak in sustainable development, ethically sourced plantation teak stands as the best solution for lasting, beautiful, and eco-responsible woodwork. Meticulous maintenance further ensures teak's legendary lifespan and transformational impact in every project.
Teak is native to southern Asia but is now sourced primarily from plantation-grown forests in Indonesia, India, Costa Rica, Brazil, Ghana, and Ecuador.[5][6]
Teak is sustainable if sourced from FSC/PEFC-certified or responsibly managed plantations. Avoid illegal “old growth” teak or uncertified sources.[11][6]
Prices range from $10–$80 per board foot for premium grades, with old-growth and marine-grade products costing more.[19]
Yes—major online and regional suppliers provide extensive teak products, many shipping worldwide. Check certifications and reviews before purchase.[20][21][8]
Plantation teak is cultivated on managed farms, typically in Latin America, Africa, or Asia. It is more sustainable and affordable than wild-grown teak.[7][6]
[1](https://mys-teak.com/understanding-teak-wood-grading/)
[2](https://www.hineighbor.com/blogs/the-journal/grade-a-teak)
[3](https://www.woodandbeyond.com/blog/is-teak-good-hardwood-for-flooring-comparing-pros-and-cons/)
[4](https://www.cyan-teak-furniture.com/faqs/materials-construction/what-are-the-different-teak-grades)
[5](https://www.zenddu.com/teak-plantations-countries/)
[6](https://impactful.ninja/how-sustainable-is-teak-wood/)
[7](https://mys-teak.com)
[8](https://www.posteakfurniture.com)
[9](https://www.patioproductions.com/blog/features/the-best-teak-patio-furniture-brands-for-luxury-outdoor-living/)
[10](https://k-timbers.com/important-certificates-in-wood-industry/)
[11](https://duffieldtimber.com/the-workbench/buyers-guides/pefc-vs-fsc-differences)
[12](https://www.teakdeckfactory.com/What-are-the-Environmental-Impacts-of-Teak-Plank-Production-id48351536.html)
[13](https://coeurcustoms.com/uncategorized/why-teak-wood-boats-are-great/)
[14](https://www.boatoutfitters.com/material/marine-lumber)
[15](https://www.patioproductions.com/blog/how-to/teak-furniture-care-maintenance/)
[16](https://static.kingsleybate.com/documents/care/care_9724a533352d6225686674e4af694506.pdf)
[17](https://usacustomsclearance.com/process/importing-teak-wood/)
[18](https://www.help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-1237?language=en_US)
[19](https://bestofexports.com/is-teak-wood-expensive/)
[20](https://www.edensaw.com/pl/import-woods-teak/306)
[21](https://www.lowes.com/pl/lumber-composites/teak/4294934154-4294640123)
[22](https://www.goldenteak.com/tgrades.htm)
[23](https://www.countrycasualteak.com/our-quality-difference)
[24](https://www.posteakfurniture.com/blog/teak-vs-oak/)
[25](https://www.classicpatio.com/blogs/news/comparing-teak-wood-grading-system)
