Wood Species Guide
Cocobolo
Dalbergia retusa
Also called: Cocobolo Rosewood, Nicaraguan Rosewood, Granadillo (in some regions)
About the name “Cocobolo”
In Mexico and Central America granadillo also means other woods, including Dalbergia granadillo and Platymiscium species.
What Cocobolo looks like
Fresh-cut cocobolo can be startling: orange, red, yellow and purple with dark streaks and spidery black lines. Within weeks the bright colors deepen toward a rich reddish brown, and the dark figure stays.
Grain and texture
Fine, even texture with a natural luster. Grain is usually straight to somewhat interlocked, and the wood feels waxy in the hand because of its natural oils.
Working Cocobolo: planing, cutting and gluing
It cuts and turns beautifully and planes to a near-polished surface, though it dulls edges faster than domestic woods. The oil is the problem for gluing: wipe joint surfaces with acetone right before glue-up, and use epoxy or polyurethane glue for anything structural. Fine dust gets everywhere and stains light woods, so clean the bench before switching species.
Finishing Cocobolo: oil, film finishes and epoxy
The natural oils can keep oil-based varnishes and some lacquers from curing, so many people just buff it with wax or leave it raw on knife handles. For a film finish, wipe with acetone and use a shellac sealer coat first. Epoxy can also stall at the surface on oily woods: acetone wipe, then a thin seal coat, then the pour. A UV-protective finish helps slow the color shift.
Durability, stability and Florida humidity
Very durable and resistant to rot and insects, and quite stable once dry. It holds up well to humidity, though checking can happen in thick pieces as they dry. In Florida, keep blanks waxed on the ends until you use them.
Shop notes from our Fort Myers shop
Cocobolo is a small-piece wood: knife scales, pen blanks, bowls, pool cue parts, small boxes and inlay. It is rarely sold in slab sizes, and big boards are very expensive. Keep it away from the sander until your dust collection is running, because the dust is a known irritant. Ask us if you need a piece; we can often source it with paperwork.
Common uses for Cocobolo
Knife and gun grips, turned bowls and pens, musical instrument parts, brush backs, boxes, inlay and fine accents.
Sustainability and CITES status
Listed on CITES Appendix II, like all Dalbergia rosewoods, so commercial shipments across borders need permits. Wild supply is limited; buy from dealers who can show legal origin.
Safety and toxicity
- Sensitizer (allergy builds with exposure)
- Skin irritation
- Respiratory / asthma
- Eye irritation
Cocobolo is one of the most common causes of wood allergy in the shop. Rashes, eye irritation and breathing trouble are often reported, and people who react tend to react worse each time. Some people also report nausea.
- In the shop
- Full precautions: dust extraction, respirator, gloves and long sleeves
- Food contact
- Not recommended for cutting boards, bowls and utensils
General information, not medical advice. See a doctor if you have a reaction.
One of the best-known sensitizers in woodworking. Skin rashes, eye irritation and breathing problems are commonly reported, and sensitivity can build with exposure. Use dust collection, a good respirator and gloves.
Cocobolo in stock now
Ask us. We can often source it.
We don't have Cocobolo 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.
Similar woods: Rosewoods
- BubingaIn stockGuibourtia demeusei, G. pellegriniana and G. tessmannii Bubinga is a heavy, hard African wood known for its pinkish red color and spectacular figure. It makes...
- African BlackwoodDalbergia melanoxylon African blackwood is a jet-black African rosewood and one of the densest woods in the world. It is...
- Brazilian RosewoodDalbergia nigra Brazilian rosewood is the classic rosewood of fine guitars and antique furniture, with dark chocolate color and dramatic...
- Burmese RosewoodDalbergia oliveri (incl. D. bariensis) Burmese rosewood is an orange to red-brown true rosewood from Southeast Asia, known there as a furniture wood...
- East Indian RosewoodDalbergia latifolia East Indian rosewood is the dark purple-brown rosewood behind many classic guitars. It is stable, durable and handsome,...
- Honduran RosewoodDalbergia stevensonii Honduran rosewood is a dense, banded pink-to-purple rosewood from Belize, prized for marimba bars and fine instruments. It's...