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Close-up of a Brazilian Blackheart (Pau Santo) hardwood board with dark black-brown grain and lighter golden streaks from G&H Hardwoods.

Brazilian Black Heart (Pau Santo)

Brazilian Blackheart (Pau Santo) is one of those woods you really appreciate when you see it up close. The heartwood runs from deep, almost black browns to warm golden streaks, with a dense, smooth feel that makes it ideal for high-end work. Some luthiers use it for guitar fingerboards, and bridges when they want a stable, resonant hardwood with a distinctive look, and it works just as well for fine furniture, small decorative pieces, and turned projects. If it’s on your radar, it’s worth stopping by the shop to hand-pick a board so you can judge the color, figure, and weight for your project in person.
  • Price: $40.00
  • Availability: In Stock
  • Thickness: 4/4
  • Length: 3–4′
Specifications:
  • Common Name(s): Black Heart, Pau Santo
  • Scientific Name: Zollernia spp.
  • Distribution: Brazil.
  • Tree Size: 2-3 ft (.6-1 m) trunk diameter, 65-100 ft (20-30 m) tall
  • Average Dried Weight: 115 kg/m3), 70 lbs/ft3 (1
  • Janka Hardness: 280 lbf (14, 3, 590 N)
  • Crushing Strength: 13, 850 lbf/in2
Grain/Texture:
Grain: Usually straight, but can be wavy or interlocked.
Texture: Fine, even texture with good natural luster.
Rot Resistance:

Heartwood is generally very durable and resistant to decay.

Workability:

Brazilian blackheart, or pau santo, is a dense, oily hardwood that is moderately difficult to work because of its hardness and interlocked grain. It cuts and machines best with sharp carbide tooling and light, controlled passes, since the density can be tough on edges and the grain can increase the risk of tearout during planing or shaping. For turning, it is generally regarded as a very good species and can produce smooth, attractive results with a fine surface. Gluing and finishing can be a little more challenging because its natural oils may interfere with adhesion and finish bonding, so clean surface prep is important before assembly or topcoating. Overall, pau santo rewards careful technique with beautiful results, but woodworkers should expect a demanding wood that benefits from sharp tools, attention to grain direction, and extra care during glue-up and finishing.

Common Uses:
  • Fine / High-End Furniture
  • Veneer
  • Decorative Pieces
  • Small Wooden Art Pieces
  • Specialty Items
  • Musical Instruments
  • Turned Objects
Comments:

Black Heart (Brazilian Blackheart, Pau Santo) is highly prized for its striking appearance and unique coloration. It is often used in high-end applications where aesthetics are a primary concern. The wood can be challenging to source and may be available in limited quantities.

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