Jatoba wood is a dense and durable hardwood from the species Hymenia curbaril,
native to Central and South America.
It is also known as Brazilian cherry wood.
It is commonly used to make furniture, and cabinetry.
Jatoba wood Uses.
Jatoba Wood is used for high-quality furniture, flooring, decking, musical
instruments, cabinetry, tool handles, shipbuilding, and small wooden objects.
It is a hard and moisture-resistant perfect for outdoor use.
It is hard enough to resist scratches and dents, making it the
perfect wood for durable flooring.
Jatoba wood is often used for turning projects such as bowls,
vases, and other decorative items.
Appearance.
Jatoba wood is known for its beautiful reddish-brown color, varying from
light orangish brown to dark brown.
Jatoba wood darkens when exposed to light.
Some boards may also have darker streaks or spots, which enhance
the natural beauty of the wood.
Jatoba wood typically has interlocked grain with a medium to coarse
texture and medium natural luster.
Jatoba wood Pros and Cons.
Pros.
Durable and Stable: Jatoba is very dense and hard, which makes it very durable
and able to withstand wear and tear.
Attractive Appearance: Jatoba wood has a beautiful reddish-brown color
and unique grain pattern, making it a popular choice for furniture.
Resistant to decay and insects: Jatoba wood is naturally resistant to decay,
insects, and fungal growth, making it a great choice for outdoor applications
such as decking and outdoor flooring.
Sustainable: Jatoba wood is sourced from responsibly managed forests in South
America and is a renewable resource that can be replenished over time.
Low Maintenance: Jatoba wood requires maintenance compared to other hardwoods.
Cons.
Difficult to Work: Jatoba wood is a very dense hardwood, so it can be difficult
to work with, and being heavy can also make it difficult to transport.
Expensive: Jatoba wood can be expensive than other types of wood.
Pre-drilling is required: When using jatoba wood for construction or
woodworking projects, pre-drilling may be necessary to avoid splitting or cracking.
Slow Drying: Jatoba wood dries very slowly, requiring thorough drying
before being finished or sealed.
Allergies/Toxicity: It is to cause skin irritation.
That’s why you need to cover the part of the body before working.
Workability.
Jatoba wood is a hardwood with high density and weight.
So working with Jatoba be a bit difficult.
The interlocking or irregular grain pattern is the cause of
tear out when you plane the wood.
So use the right tools to get the job smoothly and keep your blades sharp.
Novices need to take care while working.
Working at height can be difficult due to the heavy wood, so
enlist the help of a coworker.
Rot-Resistant.
Yes, Jatoba wood is naturally to rot and insect attacks.
Due to the presence of oil, the wood’s surface becomes greasy, so the wood
does not absorb moisture easily.
This natural oil also the wood from insects.
This natural resistance to decay and rot makes it an ideal choice for
outdoor applications such as decking and siding, as well as for indoor use
in areas such as bathrooms and kitchens where exposure to moisture is common.
Hardness.
Jatoba is a hardwood species with a Janka hardness rating of 2,690
lbf (11,950 N) and an average dry weight of 57 lbs/ft3 (910 kg/m3).
Is Jatoba Wood Good for Cutting Boards.
Yes, Jatoba wood is often used in cutting boards because of its hardness
and resistance to wear and tear.
It has a tough grain, So it warp or tear easily over time.
Its natural oils help prevent from penetrating the wood.
Is Jatoba Wood Toxic?
Jatoba wood is generally considered non-toxic safe for use in household applications.
Wood is not known to contain any toxic substances, but it can cause general
skin irritation when worked with.
So be careful and safe while working.