Jatoba Wood Guide 2026
Hymenaea courbaril
Typically described as hard and attractive Brazilian hardwood
Wood Appearance
Natural Grain
Finished Surface
Key Takeaways
- Density: 57 lbs/ft³
- Classification: Hardwood
- Origin: Brazil
- Common uses include Flooring, Stair treads, Furniture
Quick Facts
Representative reference values — natural wood varies by growing region, moisture content and individual board.
Durability, Stability & Workability
Texture: Medium to coarse texture with interlocking grain.
Workability: Difficult to work due to high density and blunting effect on cutters.
Fastening: Pre-drilling recommended for screws and nails.
Finishing: Polishes to a high luster but may require pore filler.
Color change: Darkens significantly from a bright orange-red to a deep reddish-brown.
Insect resistance: Excellent resistance to termites and decay.
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 Jatoba. Lumberama is a sourcing marketplace — actual stock, widths and lengths vary by supplier. Request a quote to confirm what's available for your project.
| Thickness | Rough | Typical surfaced | Typical widths | Common lengths | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/4 | 1" | 13/16" (3/4" common) | Random widths ranging from 3 to 8 inches. | Random lengths from 6 to 12 feet. | Request this size |
| 8/4 | 2" | 1-3/4" | Random widths ranging from 3 to 8 inches. | Random lengths from 6 to 12 feet. | Request this size |
- 4/4rough 1"
- Surfaced
- 13/16" (3/4" common)
- Widths
- Random widths ranging from 3 to 8 inches.
- Lengths
- Random lengths from 6 to 12 feet.
- 8/4rough 2"
- Surfaced
- 1-3/4"
- Widths
- Random widths ranging from 3 to 8 inches.
- Lengths
- Random lengths from 6 to 12 feet.
Decking & exterior profiles
Commonly available in tongue and groove or grooved for hidden fasteners.
Availability notes: Widely imported into North America for high-end flooring and decking.
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: Orange to reddish brown
Grain: Straight to interlocked; medium texture
Common Uses
- Flooring
- Stair treads
- Furniture
- Commercial interiors
Key Characteristics
Also known as: Brazilian Cherry;Courbaril
Availability: In Stock
Advantages
- Janka indentation hardness: 2,690 lbf
- Heartwood decay rating: Very Durable
- Sourced from Brazil
- Excellent density for wear resistance
Considerations
- Pre-drilling recommended for fasteners
- Hardness does not establish decay resistance or structural design strength
- Availability may vary
Frequently Asked Questions
Alternatives to Consider
Species commonly specified for similar applications when Jatoba is unavailable or over budget.
Related Species
Compare This Wood
Brazilian Cherry (Jatoba) vs Hickory
Hickory offers 90% of Brazilian Cherry's hardness performance at 60% of the cost with better domestic availability and sustainability. Brazilian Cherry is the premium choice for exotic beauty, but hickory is the smarter practical investment.
View comparisonBrazilian Cherry (Jatoba) vs Oak
Oak is practical for most homes. Brazilian cherry is for show-stopping floors.
View comparisonExplore More on Lumberama
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