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Spalted Tamarind
Spalted tamarind is highly sought after for its striking appearance and natural artistry. The spalting process, caused by natural fungal activity, produces bold black lines and intricate patterns that run across the pale, creamy sapwood. This unique contrast gives the wood a marbled, almost map-like look that cannot be replicated, ensuring that no two pieces are ever the same.
In addition to its visual appeal, spalted tamarind works well for a wide range of specialty projects. It is a favorite among woodturners, carvers, and fine furniture makers who want to create eye-catching bowls, inlays, instruments, or custom accents. While some spalted sections may be softer or more fragile, careful handling and finishing bring out a smooth, polished surface that highlights the wood’s intricate figure.
Because of its rarity and distinctive character, spalted tamarind is considered a premium choice for decorative work. Its natural beauty instantly elevates any project, making it ideal for artisans and woodworkers who want their creations to stand out.
Length: 2-4′
Thickness: 4/4 $27.00/Bd ft
Specifications:
- Common Name(s): Tamarind, Spalted Tamarind
- Scientific Name: Tamarindus indica
- Distribution: Native to tropical Africa; widely planted throughout tropical regions worldwide
- Tree Size: 50-80 ft (15-24 m) tall, 2-3 ft (.6-1 m) trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 51 lbs/ft³ (sapwood)
- Janka Hardness: 2,690 lbf (heartwood, sapwood unspecified)
Color & Appearance:
Heartwood: Deep reddish brown, sometimes with a purplish hue. Heartwood portions of tamarind tend to be narrow and are usually only present in older, larger trees.
Sapwood: Pale yellow and very wide, sharply demarcated from the heartwood. Spalting and other discoloration are very common in the sapwood. Most tamarind available in the U.S.—including this offering—is spalted sapwood.
Grain & Texture:
Grain: Sapwood has little defined grain or lignan, resulting in minimal structure.
Texture: The sapwood is comparable to balsa or basswood, and tends to fracture irregularly rather than along grain lines as with heartwood lumber.
Rot Resistance:
Heartwood is durable to very durable regarding decay resistance, and is resistant to insect attack. Sapwood is non-durable and prone to insect and fungal attack, as well as spalting, which gives the wood its striking appearance.
Workability:
Due to its density and interlocked grain, tamarind heartwood is generally considered difficult to work and has a blunting effect on cutting edges. Sapwood, however, is softer and easier to machine. Both heartwood and sapwood turn, glue, and finish well. Heartwood takes a high natural polish, while spalted sapwood should be monitored for softer or “punky” areas caused by spalting decay.
Common Uses:
- Furniture
- Small specialty wood items
- Woodturning projects
- Decorative accents & inlays
Comments:
Tamarind trees are best known for their fruit rather than their wood. They are widely planted throughout the tropics both for their edible pods and as ornamental shade trees. Spalted tamarind sapwood, however, has become highly prized in fine woodworking for its dramatic appearance and unique character.