Hardwood species / jatoba
Jatoba
A strong, beautiful hardwood prized for its rich colour, durability, and exceptional wear resistance.
Common Name(s)
Jatoba, Brazilian Cherry, Locust, Hymenaea courbaril
Scientific Name
Hymenaea courbaril
Distribution
Brazil, Guyana, Suriname, Central America
About Jatoba
Jatoba is a high-density tropical hardwood known for its exceptional hardness, rich reddish-brown colour, and outstanding durability. Often marketed as “Brazilian Cherry,” Jatoba is widely used in premium flooring, furniture, and architectural applications where strength and long-term performance are essential. Its interlocked grain and natural luster give it a distinctive appearance, while its mechanical properties place it among the strongest commercial hardwoods. With proper machining and finishing, Jatoba delivers decades of service both indoors and outdoors.
Read the material
Key Attributes
Appearance
Colour
Light orange-brown to deep red-brown
Grain
Interlocked, sometimes wavy
Texture
Medium to coarse
Density
Very heavy
Performance
Workability
Moderate–Difficult (interlocked grain + density)
Durability
Very durable
Stability
Good dimensional stability
Measured performance
Technical Information
Reference values from the Evergreen species catalogue. Talk with our team about your project conditions.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Janka Hardness | 2,350 lbf |
| Modulus of Rupture | 18,000–20,000 psi |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 2,200,000 psi |
| Density | 56–63 lbs/ft³ (avg ~59) |
| Crushing Strength | 9,000–10,500 psi |
| Shrinkage (Radial) | 4.4% |
| Shrinkage (Tangential) | 7.1% |
| Shrinkage (Volumetric) | 11.5% |
| T/R Ratio | 1.6 |
| Workability | Moderate–Difficult (interlocked grain) |
| Planing | Fair; tear-out possible |
| Sanding | Good |
| Finishing | Excellent; takes oils and varnish well |
| Stability | Good dimensional stability |
| Durability | Very durable (decay + insects) |
| Moisture Movement | Moderate |
Where it works best
Recommended Uses
Let’s build something lasting
Ready to start your project with Jatoba?
Our team can help you choose the perfect dimensions and finish
Available Dimensions
- Thickness
- 1"-3"
- Width
- 4"-12"
- Length
- 8ft-16ft
- Grade
- Select, Prime, Rustic
- Milling
- Custom Milling Available
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