Brazilian Cherry (Jatoba)
Hymenaea courbaril · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Origin
- Central America, northern South America, and the Amazon basin.
- Hardness
- 2,350 lbf (Very Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable; highly resistant to dry-wood termites, fungal decay, and rot.
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Grain Pattern
Interlocked to irregular grain with a medium to coarse texture; exhibits a generally straight to slightly wavy face grain pattern with some subtle ribbon striping.
Color & Appearance
Freshly cut sapwood is a light grayish-white or yellowish color, while heartwood ranges from a vibrant salmon red to a deeper reddish-brown, often featuring contrasting dark streaks. The wood darkens significantly upon exposure to light, turning into a rich, deep amber or brownish-red patina over time with a natural golden luster.
Hardness (Janka)
2,350 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable; highly resistant to dry-wood termites, fungal decay, and rot.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $8.00 to $14.00 per board foot for lumber, or roughly $6.00 to $10.00 per square foot for finished flooring.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Moderate age (approximately 5 to 15 years based on the stable amber patina and surface wear patterns typical of modern residential hardwood flooring).
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, though careful sourcing is recommended to ensure legal and sustainable harvesting from tropical forests.
Common Uses
Flooring, high-end furniture, cabinetry, heavy-duty construction, tool handles, shipbuilding, and turnings.
Geographic Origin
Central America, northern South America, and the Amazon basin.
Workability
Difficult to work due to its exceptional hardness and density. It rapidly dulls cutting edges and can be prone to burning during routing or sawing. Pre-boring is strictly necessary for nailing and screwing, though it glues and finishes satisfactorily once prepped.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or UV-cured aluminum oxide finishes are ideal for durability in flooring applications. Water-based finishes prevent excessive yellowing, though oil-based finishes enhance the deep reddish-brown warmth.
Notable Features
Extremely dense and heavy, possesses natural oils, exhibits strong photosensitivity (rapid color darkening upon UV exposure), and has high impact and bending strength.
