Wood Species Guide
Bocote
Cordia spp.
Also called: Mexican Rosewood (trade name), Cordia
About the name “Bocote”
Bocote is sometimes sold as Mexican rosewood, but it is a Cordia, not a true rosewood, and the nickname is used for other woods too.
What Bocote looks like
Golden to tan brown with bold dark brown to black stripes and eye-like spots. Quartersawn and flatsawn boards show very different patterns.
Grain and texture
Straight to wavy grain with a medium texture and good luster. It feels slightly oily.
Working Bocote: planing, cutting and gluing
Turns and machines well, though the natural oils can make gluing tricky; wipe with acetone first. Sharp tools reduce tearout on wavy grain.
Finishing Bocote: oil, film finishes and epoxy
Takes oil and wax beautifully. Some oily boards can slow the cure of film finishes or epoxy, so do an acetone wipe and seal coat before a pour.
Durability, stability and Florida humidity
Durable against decay and quite stable once dry. Florida humidity is not a big issue indoors with normal acclimation.
Shop notes from our Fort Myers shop
Bocote is a turner's and knife maker's favorite: pens, bowls, handles and boxes. The strong figure makes it a nice accent in furniture, but use it in small doses. It has a spicy smell when cut. We don't stock it, but ask us and we can often source it.
Common uses for Bocote
Turnings, knife handles, boxes, guitar parts, veneer, small furniture accents.
Sustainability and CITES status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices.
Safety and toxicity
- Sensitizer (allergy builds with exposure)
- Skin irritation
Bocote can trigger allergy in people already sensitized to rosewoods or similar woods, and itching has been reported. Most people have no trouble with good dust control.
- In the shop
- Dust collection + mask when sanding; gloves if you react to rosewoods
- Food contact
- Use with care for cutting boards, bowls and utensils
General information, not medical advice. See a doctor if you have a reaction.
People sensitive to rosewoods or ziricote may react; itching has been reported. Use dust collection.
Bocote in stock now
Ask us. We can often source it.
We don't have Bocote listed online right now, but new slabs and lumber come in all the time and not everything makes it to the website. Tell us what you're building and we'll check our racks and suppliers.
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