Jatoba
Color Range
Freshly cut heartwood often appears light orange or salmon-pink. With exposure to light, it rapidly darkens into a rich, deep reddish-brown or burgundy. Photosensitivity: It is highly photosensitive, with the most dramatic color shift occurring within the first 90 days of exposure to light.
Grain
It features a straight to interlocked grain.
Texture
Medium-to-coarse texture. It often possesses a natural golden luster that becomes prominent when polished.
Other Names
Other names here.
Typical Uses
It is a global standard for high-end hardwood flooring, stair treads, and heavy-duty tool handles. It is also favored for outdoor decking, luxury furniture, and custom cabinetry.
Weight
1
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Weight note here.
Hardness
4
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Jatoba is one of the hardest woods available, with a Janka rating typically between 2,350 and 2,690 lbf—nearly twice as hard as red oak.
Density
4
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It is a heavy wood, weighing approximately 56–60 lbs per cubic foot, which provides high shock resistance but makes it difficult to handle in large pieces.
Strength, Stability, and Durability
Rated as very durable, it has excellent natural resistance to rot, termites, and fungal decay, making it suitable for both interior and exterior use.
Workability / Finishing
Machining Challenges: Due to its extreme density and interlocked grain, it has a significant blunting effect on tool cutters. Carbide-tipped tools and sharp blades are essential to prevent burning and "tearout" during planing. Fastening: Because it is so dense, pre-drilling is mandatory for all screws and nails to prevent splitting. Finishing: While some find its natural oils can occasionally interfere with certain finishes, it generally glues and finishes well to a high-gloss, luxurious luster.