Jatoba

A strong, beautiful hardwood prized for its rich colour, durability, and exceptional wear resistance.

Common Name(s): Jatoba, Brazilian Cherry, Locust (trade name)

Scientific Name: Hymenaea courbaril

Distribution: Brazil, Guyana, Suriname, Central America

Jatoba is a high‑density tropical hardwood known for its exceptional hardness, rich reddish‑brown colour, and outstanding durability. Often marketed as “Brazilian Cherry,” Jatoba is widely used in premium flooring, furniture, and architectural applications where strength and long‑term performance are essential. Its interlocked grain and natural luster give it a distinctive appearance, while its mechanical properties place it among the strongest commercial hardwoods. With proper machining and finishing, Jatoba delivers decades of service both indoors and outdoors.

Key Attributes

Appearance

Colour

Light orange‑brown to deep red‑brown

Grain

Interlocked, sometimes wavy

Texture

Medium to coarse

Density

Very heavy

Performance

Workability

Moderate–Difficult (interlocked grain + density)

Durability

Very durable

Stability

Good dimensional stability

Technical Information

Property	Value
Janka Hardness	2,350 lbf
Modulus of Rupture	18,000–20,000 psi
Modulus of Elasticity	2,200,000 psi
Density	56–63 lbs/ft³ (avg ~59)
Crushing Strength	9,000–10,500 psi
Shrinkage (Radial)	4.4%
Shrinkage (Tangential)	7.1%
Shrinkage (Volumetric)	11.5%
T/R Ratio	1.6
Workability	Moderate–Difficult (interlocked grain)
Planing	Fair; tear‑out possible
Sanding	Good
Finishing	Excellent; takes oils and varnish well
Stability	Good dimensional stability
Durability	Very durable (decay + insects)
Moisture Movement	Moderate