Hardwood • Exotic Species

Jatoba Wood Guide 2026

Hymenaea courbaril

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

Hard and attractive Brazilian hardwood for high-traffic areas

Catalog Price Reference

$10.00 – $25.00

per board foot

Unverified catalog note: Popular flooring species. 2,350 Janka hardness.

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

Generating image…

Natural Grain

Generating image…

Finished Surface

Key Takeaways

  • Density: 57 lbs/ft³
  • Classification: Hardwood
  • Origin: Brazil
  • Catalog price ranges are unverified references, not available offers
  • Common uses include Flooring, Stair treads, Furniture

Quick Facts

Janka Hardness
2,690 lbf
Density
57 lbs/ft³
Wood Type
Hardwood
Origin
Brazil
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
Excellent
Dimensional stability
Good

Texture: The grain is typically interlocked with a medium to coarse texture.

Workability: Cutting edges must be kept sharp to avoid burning.

Fastening: Pre-drilling recommended for screws and nails.

Finishing: It takes stains and finishes well once sanded smooth.

Color change: The wood darkens significantly upon exposure to sunlight.

Insect resistance: The heartwood is rated as very durable regarding rot and insect attack.

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.

  • 4/4rough 1"
    Surfaced
    13/16" (3/4" common)
    Widths
    Random widths 5" to 12".
    Lengths
    Random lengths 8' to 16'.
    Request this size →
  • 5/4rough 1-1/4"
    Surfaced
    1-1/16"
    Widths
    Random widths 5" to 12".
    Lengths
    Random lengths 8' to 16'.
    Request this size →
  • 6/4rough 1-1/2"
    Surfaced
    1-5/16"
    Widths
    Random widths 5" to 12".
    Lengths
    Random lengths 8' to 16'.
    Request this size →
  • 8/4rough 2"
    Surfaced
    1-3/4"
    Widths
    Random widths 5" to 12".
    Lengths
    Random lengths 8' to 16'.
    Request this size →

Availability notes: This species is consistently available through major hardwood importers.

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

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
  • 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 Jatoba is unavailable or over budget.

Related Species

Hardwood

Acacia

Typically described as durable and attractive hardwood with varied appearances

View species
Hardwood

African Mahogany / Khaya

Typically described as versatile mahogany substitute

View species
Hardwood

Afrormosia

Typically described as premium African hardwood resembling teak

View 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 comparison

Brazilian Cherry (Jatoba) vs Oak

Oak is practical for most homes. Brazilian cherry is for show-stopping floors.

View comparison

Explore More on Lumberama

Popular Applications

← Back to All Wood Species