Short rotation teak has been developed to overcome the limited supply of long rotation teak. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of sapwood and heartwood differences on durability of short rotation teak. The following basic properties were studied: extractive content, dimensional stability (volumetric swelling and water uptake), decay resistance, and termite resistance. The results show that the extractive content of heartwood (7,41 %) was higher than sapwood (5,23 %). The main compounds in the extractive content of heartwood were lapachol and 9,10-anthracenedione; meanwhile the main compounds of sapwood were mostly single sugars and derivatives. The volumetric swelling and water uptake values of sapwood were higher than heartwood, indicating that sapwood had lower dimensional stability compared to heartwood. Weight losses of sapwood due to decay by Coriolus versicolor (CV), Pycnoporus sanguineus (PS), and Coniophora puteana (CP) were in the average of 25%, 15%, and 1.5%, respectively. However, weight losses of heartwood exposed to the same decaying agents were close to 0%, which categorized the heartwood durability to class 1 (very durable). The extractives present could determine the good durability of short rotation teak wood against fungi. The low weight loose of heartwood exposed in field test to subterranean termites indicated good durability of heartwood. Sapwood had lower quality especially in dimensional stability and durability restricting its utilization for both indoor and outdoor applications. Therefore, sapwood should require certain attention and treatment, especially for wood exposed to outdoor conditions.

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