Cocobolo
Dalbergia reticulata • Central America, Mexico
Exotic Hardwood
$$$$
Cocobolo is a premium exotic hardwood prized for its rich orange to red coloring with striking black grain lines. Extremely hard, stable, and naturally rot-resistant, it's reserved for the finest furniture, instruments, and specialty turning projects.
Janka Hardness
2180
Density
60 lbs/ft³
Moisture
8-10%
Fire Rating
Class A
Durability
Class A - 25+ years
Price Range
$$$$
Appearance
Orange-red to golden orange with prominent black grain streaks
Key Characteristics
- •Striking orange-red color
- •Prominent black grain lines
- •Extremely hard and dense
- •Excellent dimensional stability
- •Fine, even texture
- •Natural oils present
Common Applications
- •Fine furniture
- •Musical instruments
- •Premium turning
- •Knife handles
- •Jewelry boxes
- •Specialty wood art
Maintenance Requirements
Very low maintenance. Exceptional durability. Natural oils protect surface. Light polishing enhances color.
Advantages
- Extraordinary beauty
- Highly valuable
- Exceptional stability
- Naturally rot-resistant
- Dense and smooth
- Premium collector material
Considerations
- Very expensive
- Extremely difficult to work
- Severe allergic reactions common
- Tool dulling is significant
- Heavy and dense
- CITES listed - restricted