Jatoba

Durability:

Moderately durable, but non-durable when a high proportion of sapwood is present. It is very resistant to termites and extremely resistant to preservative treatment.

Mechanical Properties:

Very strong, hard and tough with a very good bending classification. Jatoba wood is rated as being very durable in regards to rot resistance, and is also resistant to termites and most other insects.

Seasoning:

Rather difficult to dry,tends to be rapid with moderatesurface checking and warping and a liability to case harden. Slow drying will overcome these tendencies. There is small movement in service.

Uses:

  • Jatoba is excellent for flooring, stair treads, ship planking, general woodworking joinery and building construction
  • Its high shock resistance and extreme hardness and strength makes it ideal for tool handles and sports goods
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Description

Jatoba timber, also known as Brazilian cherry, has heartwood that is salmon red to orange-brown, marked with dark brown and russet brown streaks. The wood has a golden lustre. The grain is commonly interlocked with a medium to coarse texture. Weight 910kg/m³ (56lb/ft³); specific gravity .91.

Additional information

Latin Name

Hymenaea courbaril

Family Name

Leguminosae

Distribution

Central and South America and West Indies

Also know as

Jutaby, courbaril, jatai amerelo, jatai vermelho (Brazil); locust (Suriname); copal (Equador); marbre (Guadaloupe); guapinal (Mexico); algarrobo (Puerto Rico)

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  • Sapele

    The heartwood has a medium to dark reddish-brown colour, characterised by a well-defined ribbon striped figure on quartered surfaces. Sometimes, when wavy grain is present, a very attractive fiddleback figure, roe figure or occasionally, beautiful mottled figure is obtained. The grain is interlocked or wavy and the texture fairly fine. Has a cedar-like scent when freshly cut. The timber is liable to ring or cup shakes. Weight varies between 560-690 kg/m³ (35-43 lb/ft³) averages about 620 kg/m³ (39 lb/ft³); specific gravity .62.

  • Balau

    Balau’s heartwood is yellow-brown, varying to brown and dark reddish-brown, with an interlocked grain and a moderately fine and even texture. It has a coarse texture with medium to large pores and the grain is sometimes interlocked. The weight of balau averages 930 kg/m³ (58 lb/ft³); specific gravity .93.

  • Padauk

    The heartwood is a vivid blood red, toning down to dark purple-brown with red streaks upon exposure. The grain is straight to interlocked with a moderately coarse texture. Weight varies from 640-800 kg/m³ (40-50 lb/ft³), average 720 kg/m³ (45 lb/ft³); specific gravity .72.

  • Koto

    Koto's heartwood is creamy-white in colour with a greyish tint. The grain is interlocked with small knot clusters present in some logs. The texture is moderately coarse. Quartered surfaces reveal a striking flecked figure due to the high rays. The weight is variable from 530-750 kg/m³ (33-47 lb/ft³) with the average for 650 kg/m³ (41 lb/ft³); specific gravity .65.