Teak heartwood is generally darker and warmer than sapwood: it runs from golden through medium or dark brown, whereas sapwood is usually whitish, yellowish-white, or pale brown. In
Colour helps distinguish teak zones, but it does not by itself confirm species, origin, age, or furniture quality.
In teak (*Tectona grandis*), heartwood commonly ranges from warm golden brown to medium brown and may show dark brown or blackish streaks. Sapwood appears as a distinctly lighter, yellowish-white or pale-brown outer zone. Fresh milling, oxidation, and clear finishes change apparent contrast, but not the underlying zones.
On a freshly planed board, look across the end grain and face: the darker central material is normally heartwood, while the narrow perimeter beside the former bark is sapwood. The USDA Forest Products Laboratory describes teak as having heartwood that varies from yellowish brown to dark brown and sapwood that is whitish to pale yellowish brown. Dark mineral-like lines, growth-ring figure, and surface oil can make heartwood look richer, yet they are not proof of grade or origin.
Colour is a useful first visual cue, not a complete identification test. Heartwood and sapwood can overlap in tone after sunlight exposure, staining, or a dark oil finish. Confirm the board’s position, inspect freshly cut end grain, and request species and moisture documentation from the supplier.
Colour should be read with board geometry. A live-edge slab may show a pale strip along one side; a narrow furniture part may contain only heartwood, only sapwood, or a glue-up of both. UV light can darken or mute colours over time, and pigmented coatings can mask zone boundaries. The Kew Plants of the World Online record identifies the species as *Tectona grandis*; a visual impression cannot provide comparable species confirmation.
Specify the visual result instead of assuming every teak component will look uniformly brown. Request photographs in daylight, state whether visible sapwood is acceptable, and approve a finish sample on the actual stock. For project procurement, retain species, source, and finishing details with the approved sample.
Purchase specifications turn observation into a repeatable decision. Tell M Furniture & Decor or another maker whether pale edge bands may appear on show faces, concealed faces, or neither; define the accepted sample, sheen, and lighting condition. If traceability matters, ask for timber documentation and use recognized chain-of-custody procedures such as FSC certification. These steps prevent a colour preference from being mistaken for a species or quality test.
Usually, yes. On a board that retains both zones, sapwood lies nearest the bark and heartwood occupies the interior, so a pale outer band is a strong clue. However, boards may be ripped, glued, stained, or weathered; inspect end grain and ask for an unfinished sample before deciding.
Not reliably. Teak heartwood often deepens or looks more even after oil, lacquer, or UV exposure, while pale sapwood can be stained darker. A finish can reduce the visual boundary without changing the wood itself. Evaluate an uncoated cut edge, then compare that view under neutral light.
Heartwood colour alone does not verify teak, age, origin, or performance. Other tropical hardwoods can show brown centres and pale margins, and reclaimed pieces may be heavily altered. Ask the seller to identify *Tectona grandis*, provide traceability records where applicable, and supply clear photographs of unfinished end grain.
This educational guide describes common visual characteristics of teak. Natural variation occurs between trees, boards, finishes, and lighting conditions.
