Rosewood (Brazilian)

Material Type:
Hardwood

Also Called:
Rio Rosewood, Jacaranda, Bahia Rosewood, Jacaranda Da Bahia, Jacaranda Caviuna, Jacaranda Do Brasil, Palisander,

Durability Notes:
Rosewood (Brazilian) wood is a durable timber.

Seasoning:
The drying and seasoning of Rosewood (Brazilian) 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; Rosewood (Brazilian) - dries slowly and is sometimes prone to checking and splitting, but exhibits little impact on the grade and quality of the wood on kilning. Rosewood is very stable in use. 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:
Brazilian Rosewood is very strong but not rated very high for stiffness this does mean it is very good for steam-bending. Due to its hardness it is a challenging wood to work and has a severe blunting effect on cutters and tools. Planing, drilling, moulding and morticing, turning and sanding can range from being easy to challenging depending on the specific examples of the wood. Gluing can be challenging due to the density and oil content of the wood. Pre-drilling is advised for nailing and screwing and with care the wood can be brought to a high polish.

Typical Uses:
Furniture, cabinets, musical instruments, veneers, inlays, flooring, decorative carvings.

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

Commonly asked questions about Brazilian Rosewood

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

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