Brazilian Cherry
Hymenaea courbaril · Exotic/Tropical
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical
- Origin
- Central America, northern South America, and the West Indies.
- Hardness
- 2350 lbf (Very Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable
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Grain Pattern
Interlocked to straight grain with a medium to fine texture, featuring minor ribbon-like striping on quartered surfaces.
Color & Appearance
Freshly cut heartwood is an orange-brown or salmon color, which darkens significantly upon exposure to light into a deep reddish-brown or burgundy, often with contrasting dark streaks. Sapwood is yellowish-gray or whitish.
Hardness (Janka)
2350 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 8.00 to 14.00 USD per board foot for lumber, or higher for prefinished flooring.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated 20 to 40 years based on the deep amber and reddish patina visible under surface wear.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices and generally considered of least concern by the IUCN, though selective harvesting practices vary by region.
Common Uses
Flooring, fine furniture, cabinetry, heavy-duty construction, boat building, and turnery.
Geographic Origin
Central America, northern South America, and the West Indies.
Workability
Difficult to work due to its extreme density and hardness. It quickly blunts cutting edges, tends to burn during routing or sawing, and can be challenging to glue without proper surface preparation.
Finish Recommendations
Takes finishes well once properly prepared, but oil-based polyurethane or UV-cured factory finishes are most commonly used for flooring durability. Wiping with a solvent beforehand helps remove natural oils.
Notable Features
Extremely dense and heavy, possesses a high natural resistance to termites and fungi, and has a characteristic amber-red darkening reaction when exposed to ultraviolet light.
