Goncalo Alves

Material Type:
Hardwood

Also Called:
Zorrowood, Tigerwood, Zebrawood, Mura, Bossona, Bois De Zebre, Urunday-Para,

Durability Notes:
Goncalo alves wood is highly durable. Resistant both to beetle attack and to preservative treatment.

Seasoning:
The drying and seasoning of Goncalo Alves is dependant on a number of factors; the speed in which it is processed after felling and logging, the method of drying and the specific kilns or location (if air dried). Generally the care taken by those processing the wood will have an impact on its drying and seasoning. As an overview; Goncalo Alves - it is advisable to dry the wood slowly to avoid impact on the grade and quality of the wood, otherwise there can be excessive warping and checking. Please note that all wood is liable to move when in service plus there can be dimensional change. The extent of this will depend on; the stability of the species itself, the conditions it is exposed to, the coating, decoration and protection. You will find more information about the suitability of this wood, for any proposed application, by using our interactive system and the filters shown.

Properties:
Goncalo alves is a hard, dense and heavy wood, which is very tough. Gluing can be tricky but less so if a solvent is used to removed extractives. The wood needs pre-drilling for nailing and screwing. Goncalo alves turns well and can easily be brought to a very good polished finish.

Typical Uses:
Furniture, Cabinets, Musical Instruments, Flooring, Turnings, Carvings, Interior Trim, Gunstocks, Boatbuilding.

Moisture Content:
Guide - 10-18% for KD (+/- 2%)

Commonly asked questions about Goncalo alves Wood

Is Goncalo alves a hardwood or a softwood? Goncalo alves is a hardwood. It is the same for; is Goncalo alves hardwood or softwood? - Goncalo alves is a hardwood.

Most groups/families of species share the same characteristics but this normally relates to their life as plants. Individual species do not always share the same characteristics as their relatives, in terms of the wood. Many factors influence how we use the wood and what we use it for, including where it grows, how it is forested, how it seasons/dries, etc. The answers to the following common questions, therefore relate to this particular species/wood and not the Goncalo alves family as a whole. Even more specific – our answers relate to the wood (as we know it) in its form as a useable resource.

What colour is Goncalo alves? Goncalo alves can be described as brown, dark red, red, orange

Is Goncalo alves good for outdoor use? or is Goncalo alves good for exterior use? Goncalo alves is most suited for exterior/external use. Goncalo alves can be used as an exterior/external timber (without treatment).

Whether the wood is naturally durable or not we would still recommend that it is decorated and/or coated with a suitable product to provide protection and/or maintain its appearance. This even applies when using the wood internally as, even subtle, changes in temperature or humidity will affect the wood. This will depend on the application/purpose of the wood and the user’s desired appearance. We also recommend that a recoating, care and maintenance programme is adhered to, for the life of an exterior wood. Wood cannot rot if it is kept dry – coatings and decoration can provide this protection. All of that said there are many durable timbers that are often left to weather naturally and will last for many years untreated/coated – movement and visual changes will occur but this is sometimes the desired effect. All wood is hygroscopic (it 'wants' to be in tune with its environment) it will therefore take on water from moisture in the air (or when directly exposed to or submerged in water) and ‘release it’ when dry or exposed to heat. This, inevitably, results in movement and dimensional change. For more about moisture in wood please click here - Moisture in wood