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What is Jatoba Wood?
Jatoba Wood: Sustainable and Versatile Tropical Hardwood
Interesting Facts about Jatoba Wood
- Jatoba is also known as "Brazilian Cherry" due to its reddish color.
- The Jatoba tree can grow up to 40 meters tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 150 cm in rare cases.
- The wood is so hard that it is often used for high-traffic floors and stairs.
- Jatoba trees produce large, edible fruits that are consumed locally and used in traditional medicine.
- The resin of the Jatoba tree, known as "copal," is used in the production of varnish and in some religious ceremonies.
Jatoba, also known as Brazilian Cherry, is a tropical hardwood species originating from the highland forests of South and Central America, primarily from Brazil. It is the commercial name for the botanical species Hymenaea spp., especially Hymenaea courbaril. This wood species belongs to the Leguminosae – Caesalpiniaceae family. Jatoba is known for its durability, strength, and beautiful appearance, making it a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor applications.
Origin
Jatoba is primarily imported from Brazil and is found in the tropical highland forests of South and Central America. The trees typically grow 30 to 40 meters tall, with branch-free trunks measuring 18 to 24 meters. The trunk has a diameter of 60 to 90 cm but can reach up to 150 cm in rare cases. The base of the trunk is often swollen.
Appearance and Structure
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Heartwood | Orange-red to reddish-brown, ranging from uniform reddish-brown to reddish walnut color. |
| Sapwood | Pinkish-white. |
| Texture | Moderately fine grain, sometimes with a veined pattern. |
| Grain | Straight grain, sometimes interlocked grain. |
| Finish | Beautifully smooth finished, with a lovely sheen. |
Durability
| Durability Class | Description |
|---|---|
| Heartwood | Durable (natural durability class II). |
| Sapwood | Not durable (natural durability class V). |
Physical and Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Density | 900 kg/m³ |
| Radial Shrinkage (60-30% r.h.) | 0.7% |
| Radial Shrinkage (90-60% r.h.) | 0.6% |
| Tangential Shrinkage (60-30% r.h.) | 1% |
| Tangential Shrinkage (90-60% r.h.) | 1.2% |
| Movement (60-30% r.h.) | 1.7% |
| Movement (90-60% r.h.) | 1.8% |
| Bending Strength | 134 N/mm² |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 15,000 N/mm² |
| Compressive Strength (parallel to grain) | 66 N/mm² |
| Shear Strength | 17.2 N/mm² |
| Hardness (Janka) – End | 11,200 N |
| Hardness (Janka) – Side | 10,400 N |
Drying and Moisture Content
Jatoba dries slowly but with little risk of distortion. It is important to dry the wood carefully to prevent cracking.
Workability
Jatoba is easy to work with, and the surface can be made beautifully smooth. When working with interlocked grain, adjusting the cutting angle is necessary. Pre-drilling is recommended to prevent splitting.
Finishing
Jatoba contains water-soluble extractives that can sometimes cause staining. The wood can be well-finished with solvent-based products. Water-based products require a sealer (filler) to prevent leaching of extractives.
Applications
Jatoba is versatile and used in various applications, both indoors and outdoors:
- Interior Joinery: High-traffic parquet, floorboards, stair treads.
- Exterior Joinery: Windows, doors, cladding.
- Furniture: Various types of furniture, frames, and knobs.
- Wood Carving: Turning, carving, and sculpting.
- Shipbuilding: Keels, edges.
- Waterworks: Freshwater works, bridge decks.
Commercial Dimensions
| Thickness | Fixed Widths | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 26 mm | 80/105/130/155/180/205 mm | 185 cm and longer, averaging 275 cm and longer |
| 65 mm | 90/130/155/180/205 mm | 185 cm and longer, averaging 275 cm and longer |
| 40, 52 or 65 mm | Variable widths of 15.5 cm (10-15% of 10-14 cm) | 185 cm and longer, averaging 275 cm and longer |
| 40 or 52 mm | Variable widths of 23 cm (10-15% of 10-22 cm) | 185 cm and longer, averaging 275 cm and longer |
Conclusion
Jatoba wood is a high-quality hardwood with excellent mechanical properties and an attractive appearance. It is durable, easy to work with, and versatile in use, making it a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor applications. With good availability and various commercial dimensions, Jatoba is an excellent choice for diverse wood projects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the hardness of Jatoba wood?
Jatoba is a very hard wood species. On the Janka hardness scale, it scores 10,400 N (side) to 11,200 N (end), making it suitable for applications where wear resistance is important, such as flooring.
Is Jatoba suitable for outdoor use?
Yes, Jatoba is suitable for outdoor use. The heartwood has a durability class II, which means it is durable and well resistant to weather and insects.
How should Jatoba wood be finished?
Jatoba can be well-finished with solvent-based products. When using water-based products, a sealer (filler) is needed to prevent leaching of extractives.
Is Jatoba difficult to work with?
Despite its hardness, Jatoba is relatively easy to work with. The surface can be made beautifully smooth. When working with interlocked grain, the cutting angle must be adjusted, and pre-drilling is recommended to prevent splitting.
What are the most common applications of Jatoba?
Jatoba is widely used for high-traffic floors, stair treads, furniture, exterior joinery, and in shipbuilding. It is also suitable for decorative wood carving and freshwater works.