Here's a detailed explanation of Teak Wood Grades A, B, and C, focusing on their origin, characteristics, quality differences, visual traits, durability, cost, and ideal usage.
🌳 Overview of Teak Wood Grading
Teak wood, especially from Tectona grandis, is one of the most prized hardwoods used in high-end furniture, boat building, and outdoor applications due to its natural durability, resistance to weather, pests, and beautiful appearance. Teak is typically graded into grades A, B, and C, depending on the part of the tree it is taken from, age, color, and density.
🥇 Grade A Teak Wood
🔹 Origin & Location on Tree
Taken from the heartwood (inner core) of mature teak trees (usually over 20-25 years old).
This is the oldest and most mature section of the tree.
🔹 Color & Appearance
Rich golden brown color with a natural oily sheen.
Very uniform in color and grain.
Smooth, tight, and straight grains.
Minimal to no knots or discoloration.
🔹 Physical Properties
High natural oil content (tectoquinone) and dense grain (average 650–700 kg/m³).
Very resistant to termites, fungi, and moisture.
Does not warp, crack, or split easily.
🔹 Durability
It can last 50 years or more with little maintenance.
Ideal for luxury furniture, yachts, decking, and outdoor furniture.
🔹 Price
Most expensive due to rarity and quality.
Sourced mostly from old-growth plantations (e.g., Indonesia, Myanmar – legal and certified sources only due to logging restrictions).
🥈 Grade B Teak Wood
🔹 Origin & Location on Tree
Cut from the outer heartwood or transition zone between heartwood and sapwood.
Taken from younger trees or less mature heartwood.
🔹 Color & Appearance
Lighter in color, with variations and less uniformity.
Grains are not as tight or straight.
May contain some small knots or streaks.
🔹 Physical Properties
Moderate oil content and less dense than Grade A.
Moderately durable, though more prone to weathering and discoloration.
Requires more maintenance and treatment for outdoor use.
🔹 Durability
It can last 15–25 years , depending on maintenance and exposure.
Suitable for indoor furniture, semi-sheltered outdoor use, or pieces where budget and aesthetics must be balanced.
🔹 Price
Mid-range pricing.
A common choice for mass-market furniture brands and some outdoor furniture.
🥉 Grade C Teak Wood
🔹 Origin & Location on Tree
Sourced from the outer sapwood, near the bark of the tree.
Often from immature or fast-growing trees.
🔹 Color & Appearance
Pale yellowish-white or whitish-gray.
Highly uneven grain with many imperfections (knots, discoloration, veins).
Lacks the natural sheen of higher grades.
🔹 Physical Properties
Low oil content and poor density.
Very susceptible to cracking, warping, rot, termites, and mold.
Requires chemical treatment and finishing to be usable.
🔹 Durability
Poor durability – less than 10 years, even with maintenance.
Not suitable for outdoor use or high-moisture environments.
🔹 Price
Least expensive.
Often used for cheap furniture, low-end products, or veneered surfaces that only appear to be teak.
🧾 Comparison Table
Feature Grade A Grade B Grade C Source Mature heartwood Outer heartwood Sapwood Color Rich golden brown Pale brown / mixed tones Whitish or pale yellow Grain Tight, straight Less tight, slightly uneven Uneven, many knots Oil Content High Medium Low Durability 50+ years 15–25 years <10 years Maintenance Low Moderate High Typical Use High-end furniture, yachts Indoor, semi-outdoor furniture Budget furniture, veneer Cost $$$ (Premium) $$ (Moderate) $ (Cheap)
🔐 Key Considerations for Buyers and Exporters
Ensure the source is legally harvested and certified (e.g., SVLK, FSC).
Grade A teak is ideal for luxury markets (e.g., USA, Europe, Middle East).
Grade B can be marketed as a cost-effective alternative while still offering durability.
Avoid Grade C for export unless clearly labeled or intended for low-end products.
If you're working with export furniture from Jepara or other Indonesian regions, identifying and marketing the correct grade of teak wood is crucial for pricing, positioning, and customer satisfaction. Let me know if you’d like a certification guide or import/export documentation reference next!