Vitex (Pacific Teak)

Common Name: Vitex, Pacific Teak
Scientific Name: Vitex Cofassus

Vitex, otherwise known as Pacific Teak or New Guinea Teak, is a popular timber for interior and exterior timber applications. Growing up to 40 metres tall, Vitex is considered a medium to large deciduous tree.

Grown in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, Vitex’s density, pale colour and durable properties make it popular and much sought-after light hardwood.

Stable and durable, Vitex is considered a versatile timber species that withstands weathering and requires minimal maintenance.

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Distribution

Common in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands and plantations extend through Indonesia to Malaysia.

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Texture

Fine and even.

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Appearance

Heartwood is a pale yellow-brown with a slight grey shade whilst sapwood is a pale yellow. Grain can be straight or very interlocked.

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Properties

Very durable with minimal shrinkage (radial 2%, tangential 4%), interlocked grain sections can be difficult to work, greasy in nature, high water soluble extractives can discolour water based coatings, easily accepts stains, paints, waxes, polishes and varnishes, heartwood resistant to termites, sapwood susceptible to lyctid borers.

Application

Due to stability and durability characteristics, Vitex is a popular choice for exterior cladding and decking. It is often utilised in designs that desire the ‘weathered look’ as the light pale colour gracefully lightens to silver.

When kiln dried, Vitex is suitable for joinery. It machines well with rips and cross cuts easy. Greasy nature makes it difficult to use in applications when glue is required.

Excluding material with interlocked grain, Vitex is easy to work and can be used in musical instruments and domestic utensils.

Naturally less susceptible to cupping and warping, Vitex is utilised in marine type environments such as boat flooring and bridge decking.

Applying one of CUTEK®’s range of exterior wood protection oils will enhance the stability and durability properties of Vitex and improve service life.

Where is Vitex grown?

Grown in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, Vitex’s density, pale colour and durable properties make it popular and much sought-after light hardwood.

Colourtone Results

All pictures shown are of real timber samples of the selected species. Each sample was coated with 2 coats of CUTEK® Extreme CD50 (including Colourtone) at single or double strength. The timber sample picture labelled “CLEAR” has been included to show the original colour of the timber for your ease of reference.

Colourtone swatches are shown below in groups of Brown Hues, Red Hues, Yellow Hues and White/Black Hues.

Please note that the colour, species, age and condition of your timber to be coated will impact the final colour and finish of all CUTEK® products. The colourtones on the CUTEK® website are representative only and may look different when applied to your specific timber project.

Always obtain a to assess your colour choice and product suitability for use on your actual timber BEFORE proceeding with your project.

 

Single Strength

Clear

Single Strength
Double Strength

Deep Whiskey

Single Strength
Double Strength

Bronze Rimu

Single Strength
Double Strength

Burnt Ash

Single Strength
Double Strength

Roasted Malt

Single Strength
Double Strength

Copper Sand

Single Strength
Double Strength

Kauri Gum

Single Strength
Double Strength

Burnt Red

Single Strength
Double Strength

Dusky Brown

Single Strength
Double Strength

Light Oak

Single Strength
Double Strength

Coastal Dune

Single Strength
Double Strength

Golden Bay

Single Strength
Double Strength

Tussock

Single Strength
Double Strength

White Wash

Single Strength
Double Strength

Pumice Grey

Single Strength
Double Strength

Storm Cloud

Single Strength
Double Strength

Punga