Jatoba
Hymenaea courbaril • Central and South America
Exotic Hardwood
$$
Jatoba, also known as Brazilian Cherry, is a popular exotic hardwood prized for its beautiful salmon-red to orange-brown color and exceptional hardness. Widely used for flooring, furniture, and heavy construction due to its durability and affordability.
Janka Hardness
2350
Density
56 lbs/ft³
Moisture
10-12%
Fire Rating
Class A
Durability
Class A - 20-25 years
Price Range
$$
Appearance
Salmon-red to orange-brown, darkening with age
Key Characteristics
- •Very hard and dense
- •Beautiful reddish color
- •Interlocking grain
- •Coarse texture
- •Good dimensional stability
- •Color deepens with age
Common Applications
- •Hardwood flooring
- •Furniture
- •Heavy construction
- •Tool handles
- •Turned objects
- •Stair treads
Maintenance Requirements
Low maintenance. Excellent durability. Color will deepen over time. Regular cleaning preserves appearance.
Advantages
- Excellent value for hardness
- Beautiful color
- Very durable
- Good for high-traffic
- Natural pest resistance
- Widely available
Considerations
- Can be difficult to work
- Interlocking grain challenges
- Pre-drilling required
- Color darkens significantly
- Can dull cutting tools
- May have odor when fresh