Wood Species Guide
Jatoba
Hymenaea courbaril
Also called: Brazilian Cherry, Courbaril, Guapinol, Algarrobo, Brazilian Copal, Locust (West Indies)
What Jatoba looks like
Salmon to orange-brown when freshly cut, darkening a lot to a deep reddish brown with light and age. Sapwood is gray-white. It is not related to American cherry, despite the trade name.
Grain and texture
Medium to coarse texture, mostly interlocked grain, with good natural luster.
Working Jatoba: planing, cutting and gluing
It is hard and has interlocked grain, so it can tear out on the planer and is hard on edge tools. Sharp carbide or a helical head helps. It glues well. Predrill for screws and nails or the wood can split.
Finishing Jatoba: oil, film finishes and epoxy
Oils, hardwax oils and film finishes all work. Expect the color to darken over months, especially near sunny windows. For epoxy, seal coat first to keep bubbles down. It's a strong, stable choice for a tabletop with an epoxy finish.
Durability, stability and Florida humidity
Very durable against rot and insects, but it moves noticeably with changes in humidity. In Florida, acclimate it well in the room it will live in and finish all sides. Don't install flooring or tight glue-ups straight off a truck.
Shop notes from our Fort Myers shop
Most people know jatoba as Brazilian cherry flooring. It also makes tough tabletops, benches, cutting boards and stair treads. The color gets much darker over time, so show customers an aged sample before they commit. Note that flooring charts often list a lower Janka figure (about 2,350) than wood references do; either way, it is much harder than oak. We don't keep it in every size, but ask us and we can often source it.
Common uses for Jatoba
Flooring, furniture, cabinetry, tool handles, stair treads, cutting boards, turnings.
Sustainability and CITES status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices. Listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Safety and toxicity
- Skin irritation
Reactions are uncommon. Skin irritation has been reported in a few people, but nothing more serious is documented.
- In the shop
- Dust collection and a mask when sanding
- Food contact
- Use with care for cutting boards, bowls and utensils
General information, not medical advice. See a doctor if you have a reaction.
Skin irritation has been reported but is uncommon. Use dust collection.
Jatoba in stock now
Ask us. We can often source it.
We don't have Jatoba 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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