Wood Species Guide
Goncalo Alves
Astronium spp. (mainly A. fraxinifolium and A. graveolens)
Also called: Gonçalo Alves, Tigerwood, Muiracatiara, Jobillo, Zorrowood
What Goncalo Alves looks like
Golden to reddish brown with irregular dark brown to black stripes, which is why it sells as tigerwood. The color deepens with age.
Grain and texture
Medium texture, grain that is straight to interlocked or wavy, and a natural luster.
Working Goncalo Alves: planing, cutting and gluing
Interlocked grain makes planing tricky, so expect some tearout and sand to finish. It blunts tools moderately. It can be hard to glue because of its density and oils; an acetone wipe helps. It turns very well.
Finishing Goncalo Alves: oil, film finishes and epoxy
It takes oil and film finishes well and polishes nicely. Seal coat before an epoxy pour. A UV-protective topcoat will slow the darkening.
Durability, stability and Florida humidity
Very durable and resistant to decay. Reasonably stable once dry. In Florida, acclimate before final dimensioning and finish all sides.
Shop notes from our Fort Myers shop
Tigerwood flooring is the most common way people meet this wood, but it also makes good knife handles, turnings, archery bows and accent panels. The stripes are irregular, so lay out boards before cutting to keep the pattern flowing across a glue-up. We don't stock it, but ask us and we can often source it.
Common uses for Goncalo Alves
Flooring, decking, furniture accents, knife handles, turnings, archery bows, veneer.
Sustainability and CITES status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices.
Safety and toxicity
- Sensitizer (allergy builds with exposure)
- Skin irritation
- Eye irritation
Goncalo alves is in the cashew family and is reported as a sensitizer. Eye and skin irritation are the usual complaints, though reactions are not common.
- In the shop
- Dust collection + mask when sanding; gloves for sensitive skin
- Food contact
- Use with care for cutting boards, bowls and utensils
General information, not medical advice. See a doctor if you have a reaction.
Reported as a sensitizer; eye and skin irritation are the usual reactions. Use dust collection.
Goncalo Alves in stock now
Ask us. We can often source it.
We don't have Goncalo Alves 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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