Wood Species Guide

Leopardwood

Roupala montana (syn. R. brasiliensis)

Also called: Leopard wood, Brazilian lacewood (sometimes), Louro faia

Leopardwood is a hard South American wood covered in light flecks that look like a leopard's coat. It's best on quartersawn faces where the pattern is boldest.
ImportHardwoodColorful Import Hardwoods
Good forTurning

About the name “Leopardwood”

Leopardwood is sometimes sold as lacewood, a name also used for Panopsis and for figured sycamore and silky oak. They all share large, flecked rays. Leopardwood is usually harder and heavier than the others.

What Leopardwood looks like

Reddish brown to medium brown with lighter ray flecks scattered over the face. The flecks are what give the wood its spotted leopard look. It darkens a bit with age.

Grain and texture

Straight grain with a medium texture. On quartersawn faces the large rays make the lace or leopard pattern; flatsawn boards show thin lines instead.

Working Leopardwood: planing, cutting and gluing

It's hard and the rays like to chip and tear out when planed, especially on quartersawn faces. Take shallow passes with sharp knives or use a drum sander. It glues well and turns cleanly.

Finishing Leopardwood: oil, film finishes and epoxy

Finishes well with oil or film finishes. Seal before epoxy, and sand carefully between coats because the rays can stand slightly proud.

Durability, stability and Florida humidity

Leopardwood holds up reasonably well and is fairly stable once dry, but it isn't one we'd put outdoors uncovered. Indoors in Florida it does fine with normal acclimating.

Shop notes from our Fort Myers shop

We carry leopardwood lumber, mostly for boxes, accent panels, pens and small furniture parts where the fleck pattern can be seen up close. Buy quartersawn stock if the pattern is the whole point. It's a nice alternative to oak if you want ray fleck in a warmer, redder wood.

Common uses for Leopardwood

Boxes, inlay and accents, turnings, veneer, flooring and small furniture.

Sustainability and CITES status

Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List.

Safety and toxicity

Our toxicity rating ModerateWhat the ratings mean
  • Skin irritation
  • Eye irritation
  • Respiratory / asthma

Few reports exist for this genus, but related woods in its plant family irritate eyes and skin, and some woodworkers report strong reactions to it. Treat it as a possible irritant until you know how you react.

In the shop
Dust collection + respirator when sanding; long sleeves if sensitive
Food contact
Use with care for cutting boards, bowls and utensils

General information, not medical advice. See a doctor if you have a reaction.

No specific reactions are well documented for this genus, but related woods have caused eye and skin irritation. Use normal dust precautions.

Wood toxicity and dust safety guide: every species compared

Leopardwood in stock now

Hardwood lumber in stock (1)

Want to see them in person? Book a slab & lumber visit.

Similar woods: Colorful Import Hardwoods

See the Colorful Import Hardwoods group guide

← Back to the Wood Species Guide (A–Z)