Wood Species Guide
Narra
Pterocarpus indicus
Also called: Amboyna (burl), Angsana, Malay Padauk, Sena
About the name “Narra”
Narra burl is sold as amboyna, one of the most valued burls in the world. Narra is a padauk, and some markets call it rosewood or Burmese padauk, names that properly belong to other species.
What Narra looks like
Heartwood ranges from golden yellow to deep blood red, depending on where the tree grew, and it darkens to a warm brown over time. Sapwood is pale. Amboyna burl shows tight curls and eyes in gold and red.
Grain and texture
Interlocked or wavy grain with a medium, fairly coarse texture and good luster. Ripple and mottled figure is common.
Working Narra: planing, cutting and gluing
Works well with hand and machine tools, though interlocked and figured grain can tear out on the planer. It turns, glues and sands nicely. Burl is often sold thin or stabilized because of voids and checks.
Finishing Narra: oil, film finishes and epoxy
Takes oil, hardwax oil and film finishes well, and figured pieces glow under a clear coat. Seal coat before epoxy, and keep the red dust away from light woods and pale fills.
Durability, stability and Florida humidity
Very durable against rot and generally resistant to termites. It is quite stable for its density. In Florida it holds up indoors and on covered lanais, and it was traditionally used for boats in its home range.
Shop notes from our Fort Myers shop
Narra is the national tree of the Philippines and a classic wide-slab furniture wood there. In the US it mostly shows up as figured boards, turning blanks and amboyna burl for pens, knife scales and inlay. We don't stock it, but ask us and we can often source it.
Common uses for Narra
Furniture, tabletops, cabinetry, flooring, boatbuilding, veneer, turned objects and burl pen and knife blanks.
Sustainability and CITES status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices. Listed as threatened (Vulnerable) on the IUCN Red List due to heavy logging, and cutting is restricted in the Philippines. Buy from suppliers who can show legal origin.
Safety and toxicity
- Skin irritation
- Respiratory / asthma
Narra dust is a reported irritant of skin and airways, like other padauks. Most people do fine with good dust control.
- In the shop
- Dust collection + mask or respirator 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.
Narra dust has been reported to irritate skin and airways, and asthma-like symptoms are possible. Severe reactions are uncommon. Use dust collection and a mask or respirator.
Narra in stock now
Ask us. We can often source it.
We don't have Narra 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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