The Species:

Flooring Trade Name: Brazilian Cherry

Botanical Name: Hymenaea, courbaril

Lumber Name: jatoba in Brazil, paquio in Bolivia, guapinol in C. America

Grows In: Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Venezuela, Suriname,

Nicaragua, Mexico, Guatemala, & the Caribbean

Products / Cherry, Brazilian

Description:

Brazilian Cherry, when first milled is a tan/salmon color w/black striping which turns a rich deep red color over time. This species is the most popular imported species given its inherent beauty, rich coloring and superior hardness.

Color Range & Color Change:

Color Range: Brazilian Cherry varies from yellowish hues to pink/reds to dark reds with black striping. Quartered selection yields the most uniform look/color range.

Color Change: Like domestic cherry, Brazilian Cherry will change dramatically over time from the yellow/tan/salmon color when freshly milled into a deep rich reddish color. In direct sunlight, the color change will occur within a few days. Out of sunlight, it will oxidize slowly over six months. Water based finishes tend to retard the color change while oil based finishes enhance it.

Hardness:

Brazilian Cherry is 228% as hard as red oak ( 2820 on the Janka scale vs. 1260 for red oak )

Where to Use:

Given Brazilian Cherry's extreme hardness, it may be used in residential and commercial installations.

Stability:

Average, similar to red oak.

Allergic Reaction Potential:

There is no known Allergic potential at this time. However, wood dust in general can be a hazard.

Known Finish Issues:

May be site finished with oil or water based finishes. Occasional pieces may have resin pockets that show up as white spots (almost like drops of skim milk) under the finish w/no known method to avoid other than not install these pieces. ALWAYS test the finish you propose to use FIRST on test pieces to insure compatibility.