Monkeypod (Saman / Rain Tree)
Samanea saman · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Origin
- Native to Central and South America; extensively naturalized in Southeast Asia, Hawaii, and the Pacific Islands.
- Hardness
- 900 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Durable to Very Durable; good natural resistance to rot and decay, though sapwood remains susceptible to insect attack.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked grain with medium to coarse texture, exhibiting a live-edge contour along the side slab
Color & Appearance
Rich golden-brown to deep reddish-brown heartwood sharply contrasting with a distinct, lighter pale yellow to buff-colored sapwood along the live edge. Darkens slightly with UV exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
900 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable to Very Durable; good natural resistance to rot and decay, though sapwood remains susceptible to insect attack.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $12.00 - $20.00 per board foot for live-edge slab stock.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern commercial fabrication (under 5 years old based on clean protective clear-coat finish and modern restaurant environment).
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN); non-CITES listed. Widely available from sustainable plantation sources and urban removals.
Common Uses
Live-edge dining tables, restaurant countertops, furniture, carved bowls, turnings, and decorative veneers.
Geographic Origin
Native to Central and South America; extensively naturalized in Southeast Asia, Hawaii, and the Pacific Islands.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and power tools, though interlocked grain can cause mild tearout during planing. Glues and finishes very well.
Finish Recommendations
High-durability clear polyurethane, conversion varnish, or hardwax oil to protect commercial tabletop surfaces while highlighting color contrast.
Notable Features
Striking sapwood-to-heartwood contrast, often used for live-edge tabletops; lightweight relative to its strength, with high chatoyance under oil/satin finishes.
