Narra
Pterocarpus indicus • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked and wavy grain; often shows a faint ribbon stripe on quartersawn surfaces and sometimes features curly or burl figures.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from golden yellow to a deep reddish-brown. The sapwood is light yellow or white. It has a high natural luster and develops a deep patina over time.
Hardness Rating
1,260 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to termites and fungal decay. It is known for its excellent stability and weathering traits.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, fine cabinetry, boat building, musical instruments (mostly percussion), wood carvings, and luxury veneers.
Geographic Origin
Southeast Asia, Northern Australasia, and the western Pacific Ocean islands.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$15.00 - $25.00 per board foot depending on figure and availability; often sold as turning blanks or specialty lumber.
Wood Age Estimate
The finished carving suggests a vintage piece from the late 20th century (20-40 years old) based on the oxidation of the red tones and surface wear.
Sustainability Status
Listed on CITES Appendix II and classified as Endangered by the IUCN due to habitat loss and over-exploitation.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though interlocked grain may cause some tearout during planing. Glues and finishes very well.
Notable Features
Often possesses a distinct, pleasant cedar-like scent when being worked; contains water-soluble fluorescence that can turn water a neon-blue under certain lighting.
Finish Recommendations
High-gloss lacquers or shellac are traditional for this type of Asian carving to highlight the chatoyancy and grain depth.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the deep reddish-orange hue, interlocked grain seen in the sculpture curves, and the typical use for Southeast Asian export carvings strongly indicate Narra.