Tatajuba Wood Guide 2026
Bagassa guianensis
Tatajuba is a golden-hued South American hardwood that offers an attractive alternative to Teak at a fraction of the cost. Its bright yellow to golden-brown heartwood darkens with exposure to a rich medium brown with beautiful grain patterns. Naturally durable and moderately hard, Tatajuba performs well in decking, outdoor furniture, and boat building applications where its Teak-like appearance and weather resistance are valued.
Wood Appearance
Natural Grain
Finished Surface
Key Takeaways
- Density: 47 lbs/ft³
- Classification: Hardwood
- Origin: Brazil, Suriname, French Guiana, Guyana
- Price: ~$6.5 per board foot
- Common uses include Decking, outdoor furniture, boat building
Quick Facts
Representative reference values — natural wood varies by growing region, moisture content and individual board.
Durability, Stability & Workability
Texture: Medium to fine uniform texture.
Workability: Moderate to work but can be abrasive to cutting edges.
Fastening: Pre-drilling recommended for screws and nails.
Finishing: Holds finishes well but natural oils may delay drying.
Color change: Yellowish-brown heartwood turns to a golden brown or russet color over time.
Insect resistance: Excellent resistance to decay and insects.
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 Tatajuba. 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 4 inches to 8 inches common. | Random lengths 8 feet to 20 feet common. | Request this size |
| 8/4 | 2" | 1-3/4" | Random widths 4 inches to 8 inches common. | Random lengths 8 feet to 20 feet common. | Request this size |
- 4/4rough 1"
- Surfaced
- 13/16" (3/4" common)
- Widths
- Random widths 4 inches to 8 inches common.
- Lengths
- Random lengths 8 feet to 20 feet common.
- 8/4rough 2"
- Surfaced
- 1-3/4"
- Widths
- Random widths 4 inches to 8 inches common.
- Lengths
- Random lengths 8 feet to 20 feet common.
Decking & exterior profiles
Available in tongue and groove and standard decking profiles.
Availability notes: Limited import availability in North American markets.
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 golden yellow to yellowish brown heartwood darkening to medium brown; pale cream sapwood
Grain: Interlocked to wavy grain with a medium to coarse texture; can show attractive figure
Common Uses
- Decking
- outdoor furniture
- boat building
- flooring
- construction
- millwork
- turning
Key Characteristics
Also known as: Bagasse, Cow Wood, Gele Bagasse
Availability: Special Order
Advantages
- Janka indentation hardness: 1,400 lbf
- Heartwood decay rating: Very Durable
- Sourced from Brazil, Suriname, French Guiana, Guyana
- Affordable pricing
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 Tatajuba is unavailable or over budget.
Related Species
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