Hardwood • Exotic Species

Bloodwood Wood Guide 2026

Brosimum rubescens

Prepared by Lumberama's Wood Species Team
|Sources & methodology
Last updated September 2026 · Reviewed by Lumberama Wood Species Team

Typically described as vivid red dense hardwood

Catalog Price Reference

$12.30 – $20.00

per board foot

Unverified catalog note: Vivid red; very hard. Dulls blades quickly.

Unverified catalog reference, not a current offer. Supplier price source, quotation date and exact grade/milling basis are not recorded in these pricing fields. A page update is not price verification; freight and tax remain unknown until quoted. Enter a dated quote and build a specification.

Wood Appearance

Bloodwood natural grain

Natural Grain

Bloodwood finished surface

Finished Surface

Key Takeaways

  • Density: 66 lbs/ft³
  • Classification: Hardwood
  • Origin: Brazil;Guyana
  • Catalog price ranges are unverified references, not available offers
  • Common uses include Inlays, Turnings, Accent pieces

Quick Facts

Janka Hardness
2,900 lbf
Density
66 lbs/ft³
Wood Type
Hardwood
Origin
Brazil;Guyana
Current Price
Supplier quote needed
SoftHard

Representative reference values — natural wood varies by growing region, moisture content and individual board.

Durability, Stability & Workability

Decay resistance
Very Durable
Outdoor suitability
Good
Dimensional stability
Good

Texture: It is very dense and fine-textured with a consistent grain.

Workability: Its high density makes it difficult to work, often causing tools to dull quickly.

Fastening: Pre-drilling recommended for screws and nails.

Finishing: It sands to a high natural luster and takes oils well.

Color change: The deep red color tends to shift to a darker reddish-brown over time.

Insect resistance: The wood is highly resistant to decay and most insect attacks.

Ratings and published values are representative reference figures. Natural wood varies with growing region, moisture content and individual boards — treat them as guidance, not guarantees.

Common Sizes & Availability

Typical market availability for Bloodwood. Lumberama is a sourcing marketplace — actual stock, widths and lengths vary by supplier. Request a quote to confirm what's available for your project.

  • 4/4rough 1"
    Surfaced
    13/16" (3/4" common)
    Widths
    Available in limited random widths due to small log sizes.
    Lengths
    Available in shorter random lengths.
    Request this size →
  • 8/4rough 2"
    Surfaced
    1-3/4"
    Widths
    Available in limited random widths due to small log sizes.
    Lengths
    Available in shorter random lengths.
    Request this size →

Availability notes: Imported in limited quantities, often sold as specialty turning squares or lumber.

How lumber sizes are described
Rough (4/4, 8/4…)
Hardwood thickness in quarters of an inch as sawn, before surfacing. 4/4 = 1" rough.
Surfaced (S2S/S4S)
Thickness after planing. 4/4 typically finishes at 13/16" or 3/4".
Nominal vs. actual
Construction lumber is sold by nominal size; a 2x6 measures about 1-1/2" x 5-1/2".
Random width / length
Most hardwood is sold as it comes from the log — widths and lengths vary within a range rather than being fixed.

Color & Grain

Color: Bright vivid red; yellowish sapwood

Grain: Straight to interlocked; fine texture

Common Uses

  • Inlays
  • Turnings
  • Accent pieces
  • Flooring
  • Knife handles

Key Characteristics

Also known as: Satine;Cardinal Wood

Availability: Supplier confirmation required; this reference is not live inventory.

Advantages

  • Janka indentation hardness: 2,900 lbf
  • Heartwood decay rating: Very Durable
  • Sourced from Brazil;Guyana
  • Excellent density for wear resistance

Considerations

  • Pre-drilling recommended for fasteners
  • Hardness does not establish decay resistance or structural design strength
  • Compare dated quotes on the same grade, dimensions and milling basis
  • Availability may vary

Frequently Asked Questions

Alternatives to Consider

Species commonly specified for similar applications when Bloodwood is unavailable or over budget.

Related Species

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