Massaranduba Hardwood

Massaranduba

Massaranduba, also known by its botanical name Manilkara bidentata, is a medium to dark reddish brown timber, which tends to darken with age. It is characterised by a distinct pale yellow sapwood which can be clearly differentiated from the heartwood, although it is not always defined, giving an overall dark brown look. In terms of durability, Massaranduba is extremely resistant to decay and hardwearing, making it an ideal choice for exterior decking. The wood is extremely dense and heavy, with tightly knit pores that make it appear almost solid when cut from end grain.

  • Spec:
  • FAQ's:
  • Uses:
  • Links:

Material Type:
Hardwood

Also Called:
Bulletwood

Durability Notes:
Massaranduba is rated as very durable, with good resistance to most insect attack. Very dense and heavy. Often used for decking as it is extremely hardwearing.

Properties:
Massaranduba is hard to work, due to its high density. Some species may have a slight blunting effect on tools due to small levels of silica present in the wood. Glues, stains and finishes well.

Typical Uses:
Heavy construction (within its natural range), decking, flooring, boatbuilding, bent parts, and turned objects.

Moisture Content:
12-18% KD

Wood Worker's Thoughts:
Very hard to work but finishes well. It is a naturally oily timber, extremely dense and very heavy.

Commonly asked questions about Massaranduba Wood

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

Is Massaranduba good for outdoor use? or is Massaranduba good for exterior use? Massaranduba is most suited for exterior/external use. Massaranduba 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

Are you in the timber industry?

Would you like help growing your business and have access to free industry tools and eBooks? Then please visit:

www.woodu.co

 

Any One Wood - The Wood Databse