Wood Species Guide
Imbuia
Ocotea porosa (syn. Phoebe porosa)
Also called: Imbuya, Embuia, Brazilian Walnut (shared name), Canela-imbuia, Amarela, Ocotea
About the name “Imbuia”
Imbuia is sometimes sold as Brazilian walnut, but it is not a walnut at all. It belongs to the laurel family. The same "Brazilian walnut" name is used even more often for ipe, a much harder and heavier decking wood, so check the species before you buy.
What Imbuia looks like
Heartwood ranges from olive and golden brown to a deep chocolate, often with darker streaks and swirls that look a lot like walnut. Sapwood is a pale grayish tan. Figured pieces can show curly or burly patterns.
Grain and texture
Grain is straight to wavy or interlocked, with a fine to medium texture. It has a gentle luster that shows well under oil.
Working Imbuia: planing, cutting and gluing
Easy to cut, plane and sand, though wavy or interlocked areas can tear out on the planer. It glues and screws well. Freshly cut wood has a spicy, cinnamon-like scent.
Finishing Imbuia: oil, film finishes and epoxy
Takes oil, hardwax oil and film finishes very well. The pores are fine, but a thin seal coat before an epoxy pour is still good practice, and it keeps the dark dust from clouding a light fill. Like most brown woods it slowly mellows with light exposure.
Durability, stability and Florida humidity
Rated durable against decay and moderately resistant to insects, which is better than you might expect for a wood this easy to work. It is reasonably stable. In Florida we would still keep it under cover and finish all faces.
Shop notes from our Fort Myers shop
Imbuia is a great pick if you like the look of walnut but want something a little different, and figured boards are stunning in furniture and guitar backs. Wild supply is limited, so expect smaller boards and higher prices. It works well with hand tools and the CNC alike. We don't stock it, but ask us and we can often source it.
Common uses for Imbuia
Furniture, cabinetry, flooring, veneer, gunstocks, guitar backs and sides, and turned objects.
Sustainability and CITES status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices. It is rated Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List because its native forests have shrunk and the tree was heavily logged. Look for legally harvested or reclaimed stock.
Safety and toxicity
- Respiratory / asthma
- Skin irritation
Nose, throat and skin irritation from the dust have been reported. Most people do fine with good dust control.
- 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.
Imbuia dust has been reported to irritate the nose, throat and skin. Use dust collection and a mask when sanding.
Imbuia in stock now
Ask us. We can often source it.
We don't have Imbuia 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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