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Brazilian Cherry (Hymenaea courbaril) Hardwood
Brazilian Cherry (Hymenaea courbaril), known as Jatoba in its native range, is one of the hardest and most durable commercially available hardwoods in the world. At 2,350 Janka, it's nearly twice as h...
Janka Hardness
2,350 lbf
Durability
Excellent
Rot Resistance
Very Good
Density
57 lbs/ft³
What Is Brazilian Cherry Wood?
Brazilian Cherry (Hymenaea courbaril), known as Jatoba in its native range, is one of the hardest and most durable commercially available hardwoods in the world. At 2,350 Janka, it's nearly twice as hard as domestic Red Oak and provides exceptional performance for flooring, furniture, and structural applications.
The heartwood is salmon-red to orange-brown when freshly milled, darkening significantly over time to a rich, deep reddish-brown that gives the species its common name 'Brazilian Cherry.' This color change is dramatic in the first few months and continues gradually for years. The grain is typically interlocked with a medium to coarse texture.
Jatoba grows throughout Central America, South America, and the Caribbean islands. It has been used for centuries in traditional construction across its native range, prized for its incredible hardness, natural durability, and beautiful warm color. In the North American market, Brazilian Cherry is one of the most popular exotic hardwood flooring species, valued for its ability to withstand decades of heavy foot traffic.
Key Facts
- Extremely hard at 2,350 Janka — nearly 2x harder than Red Oak
- Salmon-red heartwood darkens dramatically to deep reddish-brown over time
- Naturally rot-resistant and insect-resistant for exterior durability
- One of the most popular exotic hardwood flooring species in North America
- Dense at 57 lbs/ft³ — indicates exceptional structural strength
- Also known as Jatoba, Courbaril, and South American Locust
Why Choose Brazilian Cherry?
Extreme Hardness
2,350 Janka — nearly twice Red Oak's hardness, providing unmatched dent and scratch resistance for flooring
Dramatic Color
Rich salmon-red to deep reddish-brown creates warm, inviting spaces that deepen in beauty with age
Natural Durability
Very good resistance to rot, decay, and insects — suitable for semi-exposed exterior applications
Proven Performance
Decades of track record as one of North America's most popular exotic flooring species
Structural Strength
High bending strength and stiffness suitable for structural and load-bearing applications
Long Lifespan
Properly installed Brazilian Cherry floors and structures can last 50+ years with minimal maintenance
Common Applications
Brazilian Cherry is well-suited for a range of interior and exterior applications.
Hardwood Flooring
The #1 application — high-traffic residential and commercial floors with unmatched durability
Staircase Components
Treads, risers, and handrails that resist decades of heavy foot traffic
Fine Furniture
Dining tables, desks, and statement pieces showcasing the rich reddish-brown color
Exterior Decking
Deck surfaces, pool surrounds, and outdoor living areas with natural weather resistance
Heavy Construction
Structural beams, railroad ties, and industrial flooring in its native range
Turning & Specialty
Bowls, mallets, tool handles, and specialty items leveraging the extreme hardness
Brazilian Cherry by Application
Learn how Brazilian Cherry performs across different project types.
Brazilian Cherry Hardwood Flooring
Brazilian Cherry (Jatoba) flooring is the premier choice for homeowners who want the absolute toughest hardwood floor available. At 2,350 Janka — nearly twice the hardness of Red Oak — these floors shrug off high heels, pet claws, and decades of family traffic with minimal wear. The warm salmon-red color that deepens to rich reddish-brown over time creates living rooms and great rooms with unmistakable warmth and elegance. For high-traffic commercial spaces, Brazilian Cherry delivers institutional-grade durability with residential-quality beauty.
Explore all hardwood flooring optionsBrazilian Cherry Staircase Components
Staircase treads and handrails see some of the heaviest concentrated foot traffic in any home. Brazilian Cherry's extreme hardness ensures treads resist wear patterns, dents from dropped objects, and the concentrated impact of daily use. The warm color complements both traditional and contemporary staircase designs, and the wood's density provides a solid, substantial feel underfoot.
Explore all staircase components optionsBrazilian Cherry Statement Furniture
Brazilian Cherry creates stunning furniture pieces — dining tables, desks, and entertainment centers with a warm, rich color that deepens beautifully with age. The extreme hardness means tabletops resist scratches and dents through years of daily use. The interlocked grain pattern provides visual interest, and the natural color eliminates the need for staining.
Explore all statement furniture optionsInstallation & Working Tips
- Use sharp carbide-tipped saw blades and drill bits — essential for this extremely hard species
- Pre-drill ALL fastener holes to prevent splitting — mandatory, not optional
- Allow 10-14 days for acclimation to local humidity before flooring installation
- Expect significant color darkening in the first 3-6 months — plan layout accordingly
- Use polyurethane or epoxy adhesives for best bond strength
- Sand with aluminum oxide or ceramic abrasives — standard sandpaper clogs quickly
For complete guidance, see our installation guide and custom milling services.
Maintenance & Care
Brazilian Cherry is extremely low-maintenance due to its hardness and natural durability. The most notable characteristic is the dramatic color change that occurs naturally over time.
Color Change
Expect significant darkening from salmon-red to deep reddish-brown in the first 3-6 months. This is natural and desirable. Move rugs and furniture periodically to ensure even color development. UV-blocking window film can slow the process slightly.
Flooring Care
Sweep or vacuum regularly. Clean with a hardwood floor cleaner formulated for exotic woods. The extreme hardness means refinishing is needed far less often than with softer species. Expect 15-20+ years between refinishings in residential use.
Exterior Care
For decking or exterior applications, apply a UV-protective penetrating oil 1-2 times per year to maintain color. Without finish, the wood will weather to silver-gray but maintain structural integrity due to natural rot resistance.
Important Considerations
Dramatic Color Change
The salmon-to-reddish-brown color shift is dramatic and unavoidable. Some homeowners find the final color different from what they expected based on samples. View aged samples before committing.
Difficult to Work
Extreme hardness (2,350 Janka) requires specialized tooling, pre-drilling, and slower machining speeds. Professional installation recommended for flooring.
Allergenic Dust
Jatoba dust can cause skin and respiratory irritation. Use proper dust collection and respiratory protection during cutting and sanding.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brazilian Cherry
Quick answers to common questions
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