Jacareuba

Material Type:
Hardwood

Also Called:
Santa Maria (Central America), Alfaro, Aceite, Barillo, Guanandi, Cachicambo, Pau De Maria, Leche De Maria,

Durability Notes:
Jacareuba wood is moderately durable

Seasoning:
The drying and seasoning of Jacareuba 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; Jacareuba - is challenging to air-dry. The rate of drying is variable but generally slow and there can be severe warping; slight surface checking, a high level of knot splitting and case hardening can also occur. 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:
Jacareuba is heavy and dense and has medium shock resistance and bending properties, high crushing strength and low stiffness. Steam bending is rated as tolerable. Planing qualities may be poor. The blunting effect is usually tolerable but can be severe if gum is present. The wood glues, stains and polishes well and carves easily.

Typical Uses:
Furniture making, Cabinetry, Musical instrument making, Interior joinery, Carving, Boat building.

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

Commonly asked questions about Jacareuba Wood

Is Jacareuba a hardwood or a softwood? Jacareuba is a hardwood. It is the same for; is Jacareuba hardwood or softwood? - Jacareuba 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 Jacareuba 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 Jacareuba? Jacareuba can be described as brown, dark brown

Is Jacareuba good for outdoor use? or is Jacareuba good for exterior use? Jacareuba is most suited for internal/interior use. Jacareuba should not 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