Vitex/Molave Wood Guide 2026
Vitex parviflora
Molave is a premium Philippine hardwood historically regarded as one of the most durable timbers in Southeast Asia. Its yellowish-brown to olive-brown heartwood is extremely hard, dense, and naturally resistant to termites and decay. Molave has been used for centuries in shipbuilding, heavy construction, and fine furniture throughout the Philippines and neighboring countries. Due to overharvesting, sustainable sourcing is essential.
Wood Appearance
Natural Grain
Finished Surface
Key Takeaways
- Density: 55 lbs/ft³
- Classification: Hardwood
- Origin: Philippines, Southeast Asia
- Price: ~$16 per board foot
- Common uses include Heavy construction, shipbuilding, fine furniture
Quick Facts
Representative reference values — natural wood varies by growing region, moisture content and individual board.
Durability, Stability & Workability
Texture: Fine to medium texture with straight to interlocked grain.
Workability: Difficult due to hardness and mineral content.
Fastening: Pre-drilling recommended for screws and nails.
Finishing: Finishes to a very smooth surface and polishes well.
Color change: Yellowish heartwood turns to a darker brown upon exposure.
Insect resistance: Highly resistant to fungi and wood-boring 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 Vitex/Molave. 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 available. | Random lengths 6 feet to 12 feet available. | Request this size |
| 8/4 | 2" | 1-3/4" | Random widths 4 inches to 8 inches available. | Random lengths 6 feet to 12 feet available. | Request this size |
- 4/4rough 1"
- Surfaced
- 13/16" (3/4" common)
- Widths
- Random widths 4 inches to 8 inches available.
- Lengths
- Random lengths 6 feet to 12 feet available.
- 8/4rough 2"
- Surfaced
- 1-3/4"
- Widths
- Random widths 4 inches to 8 inches available.
- Lengths
- Random lengths 6 feet to 12 feet available.
Availability notes: Very rare and limited to specialty import sources.
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: Yellowish brown to olive-brown heartwood that darkens with age; lighter sapwood
Grain: Interlocked to wavy grain with a fine to medium texture; sometimes shows attractive figure
Common Uses
- Heavy construction
- shipbuilding
- fine furniture
- flooring
- bridge timbers
- railroad ties
- tool handles
Key Characteristics
Also known as: Molave, Smallflower Chastetree, Tugas
Availability: Special Order
Advantages
- Janka indentation hardness: 2,210 lbf
- Heartwood decay rating: Very Durable
- Sourced from Philippines, Southeast Asia
- Excellent density for wear resistance
Considerations
- Pre-drilling recommended for fasteners
- Hardness does not establish decay resistance or structural design strength
- Premium price point
- Availability may vary
Frequently Asked Questions
Alternatives to Consider
Species commonly specified for similar applications when Vitex/Molave is unavailable or over budget.
- Teak1,155 lbf Janka
- Ipe3,680 lbf Janka
- Greenheart
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