Darina

A versatile tropical hardwood valued for its strength, stability, and reliable performance.

Common Name(s): Darina, Darina Wood, South American Hardwood (regional)

Scientific Name: Hymenaea courbaril group (regional trade grouping)

Distribution: Guyana, Suriname, Northern Brazil

Darina is a strong, medium-to-high-density tropical hardwood known for its balanced performance across structural, decorative, and general woodworking applications. Sourced primarily from Guyana and the northern Amazon basin, Darina offers a dependable combination of durability, stability, and workability. Its warm brown colouration, fine texture, and consistent grain make it suitable for furniture, cabinetry, flooring, and light‑to‑medium structural uses. Darina is a reliable all‑rounder for craftsmen seeking strength without the extreme density of heavier species.

Key Attributes

Appearance

Colour

Light brown to medium brown, sometimes with golden tones

Grain

Straight to slightly interlocked

Texture

Fine to medium

Density

Heavy

Performance

Workability

Moderate–Difficult (density + occasional silica)

Durability

Durable

Stability

Good dimensional stability

Technical Information

Property	Value
Janka Hardness	1,800–2,200 lbf
Modulus of Rupture	14,000–17,000 psi
Modulus of Elasticity	1,800,000–2,100,000 psi
Density	50–60 lbs/ft³ (avg ≈55)
Crushing Strength	8,500–10,000 psi
Shrinkage (Radial)	4.0%
Shrinkage (Tangential)	7.0%
Shrinkage (Volumetric)	11%
T/R Ratio	1.75
Workability	Moderate–Difficult (sharp tools recommended)
Planing	Good with carbide tooling
Sanding	Good
Finishing	Accepts oils and varnish well
Stability	Good dimensional stability
Durability	Durable (resists decay and insects)
Moisture Movement	Moderate