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Close-up of a Bocote hardwood board showing golden-brown heartwood with bold dark streaks and dramatic grain figure.
Dimensional Bocote side table built from golden-brown boards with bold dark streaks and striking grain figure.
Handcrafted Bocote keepsake box made from dimensional lumber, showing golden-brown heartwood with bold dark streaks and striking grain figure.

Bocote

Bocote is a striking exotic hardwood with golden-brown body color and bold dark striping that makes even small projects look like showpieces. Its dense, oily-feeling grain machines well and polishes up to a smooth, high-luster surface, which is why woodworkers reach for it on high-end furniture details, instruments, and specialty items. Despite its weight, Bocote is reasonably cooperative on the tools and holds crisp edges for turnings, handles, and inlay work. If you’re looking for a board that draws the eye the second you open the box, Bocote is one of those “only need a little, big impact” species that earns its spot in the rack.
  • Price: $35.00
  • Availability: In Stock
  • Thickness: 4/4
  • Length: 3–4′
Specifications:
  • Common Name(s): Bocote
  • Scientific Name: Cordia spp.
  • Distribution: Mexico and Central/South America.
  • Tree Size: 3–5 ft (1–1.5 m) trunk diameter, 65–100 ft (20–30 m) tall
  • Average Dried Weight: 53 lb/ft³ (855 kg/m³)
  • Janka Hardness: 010 lbf (8, 2, 950 N)
  • Crushing Strength: 610 lbf/in² (59.4 MPa), 8
Grain/Texture:
Grain: Frequently figured and interlocked, though some boards are more straight-grained and uniform. Decorative stock often shows wild patterns that are ideal for bookmatched faces and small showcase pieces.
Texture: Medium, fairly even texture with a naturally oily or waxy feel and a good natural luster.
Rot Resistance:

Bocote’s heartwood is rated from moderately durable to very durable and is generally well suited to long-term use. It can, however, be prone to insect attack depending on the specific source species, so outdoor use should be detailed and finished appropriately.

Workability:

Bocote machines cleanly and is usually easy to work despite its density, though some stock may contain small amounts of silica that can dull cutters over time. Its natural oils rarely cause serious problems, but it is good practice to scuff or wipe glue surfaces before bonding. The wood turns beautifully, takes a high polish, and finishes to a smooth, lustrous surface. Many woodworkers notice a distinctive scent when working Bocote that is often compared to dill pickles.

Common Uses:
  • Furniture
  • Fine / High-End Furniture
  • Accent Pieces / Custom Furniture
  • Cabinetry
  • Veneer
  • Decorative Boards, Doors & Walls
  • Decorative Pieces
  • Interior / Exterior Trim & Millwork
  • Small Wooden Art Pieces
  • Specialty Items
  • Specialty Wood Items
  • Musical Instruments
  • Turned Objects
Comments:

With its bold, high-contrast striping and dramatic figure, Bocote is one of the most visually striking exotics in the shop. Bookmatched faces can create mirror-image “faces” and flowing patterns that make doors, panels, and small projects stand out. While its strength is roughly in the same range as hard maple, Bocote is notably heavier, so it’s chosen more for looks than for a high strength-to-weight ratio. For woodworkers who want a showpiece board with good stability and excellent finishing characteristics, Bocote is a favorite.

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