Although teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) is an important indigenous timber species to south-east Asia, teak plantations have been established widely throughout the tropics and successfully in Togo since 1920. However, no studies exist concerning the quality of Togolese teak wood depending on age and stand situation. The heartwood proportion, modulus of elasticity (EL) and wood density at 12% moisture content of 80 trees of various ages from different ecological zones in Togo were examined. Results showed that the percentage of heartwood differed significantly in trees depending on the ecological zones. Density at 12% moisture content was significantly correlated to tree age and diameter at breast height. In juvenile wood, density was highly variable, but tended to increase before stabilising with age, whereas EL in adult wood was significantly greater than that in juvenile wood. © 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.