Brazilian Cherry
From Floor Coverings
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Wood Species
Brazilian Cherry
Biological name
Hymenaea courbaril
Originates from or commonly found in
Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Venezuela, Suriname, Nicaragua, Mexico, Guatemala and the Caribbean.
Physical appearance
The Brazilian Cherry tree can reach a height of 150 feet with the diameter of the trunk being up 6 feet around. It is an evergreen, which blooms small white flowers when mature. These flowers in turn give rise to the small, ribbed fruit. The tree has a thin layer of gray bark, but the think heartwood is a deep reddish brown with a signature golden luster.
Flooring Properties
Brazilian Cherry wood is quite workable, although hard to cut, but this does not limit its wide popularity as flooring material. It steam-bends well and glues well. It must be finished with a water-based product, as any oils will damage its potential. Once finished, it is extremely hard and therefore durable. Brazilian Cherry has a white to slightly yellow sapwood, which is quite different from the thick heartwood and its characteristic deep red. Therefore, when it is first milled it is a tan-salmon color with black striping which turns a rich deep red color over time. The texture is medium to coarse and the grain is mostly straight with some irregular waves. This species is the most popular imported flooring material given its inherent wealth of rich coloring and superior hardness.
Janka Rating
Brazilian Cherry has a hardness rating of 2820.
