One of the most valuable of woods, from its great strength, durability, and resistance to the attacks of insects, and is therefore greatly used for all structural purposes. The Teak tree grows in India, all over the Deccan, and in Burmah and Ceylon. The wood is brown, light, straight-fibred, with no visible medullary ray. The annual ring can be distinguished and the spring wood is always porous. The characteristics of teak vary, however, in the different districts from which it comes; Juhore teak is strongest and heaviest, and Moulmein, of which we have the greatest supply, is the most flexible.

The presence of the resinous oil, which is so useful in preventing the attacks of insects, and saving metal fastenings from rust, causes the unpleasant smell which is so distinctively characteristic of teak.

This resinous oil will sometimes be found in considerable deposits filling the numerous heart shakes to which this tree is liable, and will blunt che edge of any cutting tool; and, in fact, the whole substance of the timber is particularly apt to take the keenness from the edges of tools. Sometimes teak will be found with a very small amount of this oil in its composition. It is then light in weight and of a paler colour. The tree producing this wood has probably been tampered with by natives during its growth, in order to obtain the oil. Teak of this kind is brittle and generally inferior.

This wood is fairly easy to work, but care is required to prevent splintering, to which it is liable.