Find Your Perfect Wood Product

If you find a product you like, reach out to us for more details and assistance.

CONTACT US

Jatoba (Brazilian Cherry)

Jatoba is an exotic wood that runs from salmon-red to orange-brown. It darkens into a russet to reddish-brown color after drying, and it is frequently marked with dark streaks. It is reported to have good strength qualities and can be used in structural applications for which Oak would be suitable.

Length: 10′
Thickness: 4/4

Specifications:
  • Common Name(s): Jatoba
  • Scientific Name: Hymenaea courbaril
  • Distribution: Central America, southern Mexico, northern South America, and the West Indies
  • Tree Size: 100-130 ft (30-40 m) tall, 2-4 ft (.6-1.2 m) trunk diameter
  • Average Dried Weight: 57 lbs/ft3 (910 kg/m3)
  • Janka Hardness: 2,690 lbf (11,950 N)
  • Crushing Strength: 11,780 lbf/in2 (81.2 MPa)
Color/Appearance:

Heartwood: Varies from a light orangish brown to a darker reddish brown, sometimes with contrasting darker grayish brown streaks.
Sapwood: light grayish yellow, clearly demarcated from the heartwood.

Grain/Texture:

Grain: Grain is typically interlocked.
Texture: Medium to coarse texture.

Rot Resistance:

Rated as being very durable in regards to rot resistance, and is also resistant to termites and most other insects.

Workability:

Jatoba is considered difficult to work with on account of its density and hardness, and has a moderate blunting effect on tool cutters. Jatoba also tends to be difficult to plane without tearout due to its interlocking grain. However, Jatoba glues, stains, turns, and finishes well. Responds well to steam-bending.

Common Uses:
  • Flooring
  • Fine furniture
  • Cabinetry
  • Boatbuilding
  • Turned objects
  • Small specialty wood items
Comments:

Although it’s widely named “Brazilian Cherry,” (mostly among flooring sellers), it bears little relation to the domestic Cherry (Prunus serotina) that is found in the US, except perhaps that its natural color closely matches the common stained color of domestic Cherry that has been aged/stained reddish-brown as seen on some interior furniture.

Jatoba is exceptionally stiff, strong, and hard—representing a great value for woodworkers seeking high-strength, low-cost lumber.

Note: Jatoba is not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, but sustainable sourcing practices are recommended to ensure the preservation of this valuable wood.

Related products