Tigerwood –(Astronium Graveolens )
Better known on the international market as Muiracatiara or Goncalo Alves, but does have lesser known names such as Brazilian Koa or Jabillo. It cuts easy for being a dense species and has very good resistance to rot and decay. The heartwood is light brown in color with moderate to wild black streaking. Due to the color variation, there is a particular allure to furniture builders, although its uses in decking and flooring are not new. Available as both FSC and Non-FSC certified Tigerwood is kiln-dried (KD) and available as decking, flooring, dimensional lumber, E4E, S4S, RS (Rough Sawn), deck tiles, and table slabs.
Common Name: | Goncalo Alves, Tigerwood, Jobillo |
Botanical Name: | Astronium spp. (A. graveolens and A. fraxinifolium) |
Indigenous to: | From Mexico southward to Brazil |
Modulus of Rupture: | 16,970 lbf/in2 (117.0 MPa) |
Shrinkage: | Radial: 4.2%, Tangential: 7.8%, Volumetric: 11.2%, T/R Ratio: 1.9 |
How is it dried: | kiln-dried (KD) |
Is it dried quickly: | Normal Drying Schedule is applicable to thickness lower or equal to 38 mm. It must be used in compliance with the code of practice. For thickness from 38 to 75 mm, the air relative humidity should be increased by 5 % at each step. For thickness over 75 mm, a 10 % increase should be considered |
Stability: | Info coming soon |
Exterior Wood Recommendation: | Class 4 – in ground or fresh water contact |
Fastening Method: | Nailing / screwing: good but pre-drilling is necessary Gluing: poor not recommended without proper oily wood procedures |
Ecosystem impact: | This wood species is not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. |
Toxicity and allergic reactions: | Although severe reactions are quite uncommon, Goncalo Alves has been reported as a sensitizer. Usually most common reactions simply include eye and skin irritation. |
Odor: | No distinguishable odor |
Product we manufacture using this species: | Decking, hardwood flooring, dimensional lumber, E4E, S4S, RS (Rough Sawn), deck tiles, and wood slabs |
Other common uses: | Cabinetwork Sliced veneer Flooring Wood-ware Turned goods Exterior joinery Interior joinery Interior panelling Heavy carpentry Musical instruments Tool handles (resilient woods) Sculpture |
Susceptibility to |
Dry Wood borers: | Durable – sapwood demarcated (risk limited to sapwood) |
Fungi: | Class 1 – very durable |
Termites: | Class D – durable |
Treatability: | Class 4 – not permeable Against dry wood borer attacks: does not require any preservative treatment In case of risk of temporary humidification: does not require any preservative treatment In case of risk of permanent humidification: does not require any preservative treatment |
Janka Hardness: | |