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Jatoba (Hymenaea courbaril) Hardwood
Jatoba (Hymenaea courbaril), widely known as Brazilian Cherry in the flooring trade, is a dense tropical hardwood prized for its striking reddish-orange to deep burgundy color and exceptional surface ...
Janka Hardness
2,350 lbf
Durability
Class 1-2
Lifespan
30-50 years
Density
57 lbs/ft³
What Is Jatoba Wood?
Jatoba (Hymenaea courbaril), widely known as Brazilian Cherry in the flooring trade, is a dense tropical hardwood prized for its striking reddish-orange to deep burgundy color and exceptional surface hardness. With a Janka hardness of 2,350 lbf — nearly twice as hard as Red Oak — Jatoba is one of the hardest commercially available flooring and decking woods in the world.
Native to Central and South America from southern Mexico through Brazil, Jatoba grows into massive trees reaching 130 feet tall. The heartwood shifts dramatically from a salmon-red when freshly cut to a rich, deep reddish-brown over weeks of light exposure — a natural color transformation that many woodworkers and homeowners find captivating.
Jatoba's combination of extreme hardness, natural decay resistance, and stunning color makes it a top choice for high-traffic interior flooring, heavy-duty exterior decking, stair treads, and structural applications where both beauty and performance are required. It is significantly harder than domestic cherry (950 lbf) despite sharing the 'cherry' trade name.
Key Facts
- Janka hardness of 2,350 lbf — nearly 2× harder than Red Oak
- Color deepens dramatically from salmon-red to rich burgundy with light exposure
- Excellent resistance to rot, decay, and insect damage
- One of the most popular exotic hardwood flooring species worldwide
- Harder and more durable than true domestic cherry (950 lbf)
- Responsibly harvested from managed forests in South America
Why Choose Jatoba?
Exceptional Hardness
At 2,350 lbf Janka, Jatoba resists dents and scratches far better than oak, maple, or domestic cherry
Stunning Color Shift
Freshly cut salmon-red deepens to rich burgundy over weeks — a dramatic natural transformation
Natural Durability
Class 1-2 durability rating with excellent resistance to rot, decay, and insects
Proven Flooring Species
One of the most widely installed exotic hardwood flooring species in North America
High Density
57 lbs/ft³ provides structural strength and excellent wear resistance
Good Workability
Machines well with carbide tooling, takes finish beautifully, and holds fasteners reliably
Common Applications
Jatoba is well-suited for a range of interior and exterior applications.
Interior Hardwood Flooring
The most popular application — high-traffic residential and commercial floors
Stair Treads & Risers
Extreme hardness makes it ideal for stairs that endure heavy daily foot traffic
Exterior Decking
Dense enough for outdoor deck boards with natural decay resistance
Structural Timbers
Heavy construction, posts, and beams where strength matters
Furniture & Cabinetry
Fine furniture, tabletops, and built-in cabinetry with rich color
Tool Handles & Turnery
Extreme density makes it ideal for tool handles, mallets, and turned objects
Jatoba by Application
Learn how Jatoba performs across different project types.
Jatoba Interior Flooring
Jatoba is one of the most popular exotic hardwood flooring species in North America, installed in millions of homes and commercial spaces. Its 2,350 lbf Janka hardness provides exceptional resistance to dents from dropped objects, scratches from furniture legs, and wear from daily foot traffic — outperforming Red Oak, Maple, and Hickory floors. The dramatic color shift from salmon-red to deep burgundy during the first month creates a rich, warm floor that becomes more beautiful over time. Jatoba's high density means it refinishes beautifully, often requiring only a light screening and recoat rather than full sanding. For homeowners who want a floor that combines exotic beauty with workhorse durability, Jatoba delivers on both counts.
Explore all interior flooring optionsJatoba Exterior Decking
Jatoba's density and natural durability make it a capable decking species, offering warm reddish-brown tones that complement brick, stone, and traditional architecture. At 2,350 lbf, it resists the scratches and dents that accumulate on softer deck boards. While not as dense as Ipe or Cumaru, Jatoba provides a 30-50 year outdoor lifespan with natural resistance to rot and insects — significantly outperforming pressure-treated pine and cedar. Pre-drilling is required for all fasteners, and annual UV oil application maintains the warm color.
Explore all exterior decking optionsJatoba Structural & Heavy Construction
Jatoba has a long history in heavy construction throughout Central and South America — bridges, railroad ties, posts, and structural beams where strength and decay resistance are critical. Its 57 lbs/ft³ density and excellent bending strength make it suitable for load-bearing applications. The wood's natural durability means structural Jatoba can serve for decades without chemical treatment, even in ground-contact applications where lesser species would fail.
Explore all structural & heavy construction optionsInstallation & Working Tips
- Pre-drill all fastener holes — Jatoba is very dense and will split without pre-drilling
- Use carbide-tipped saw blades and drill bits for clean cuts
- Allow 7-14 days for on-site acclimation before installation
- Use stainless steel fasteners for exterior applications
- Sand progressively to 150-220 grit for best finish results
- Expect significant color change in the first 2-4 weeks after installation as the wood darkens
- Apply UV-protective finish if you want to slow the natural color darkening process
For complete guidance, see our installation guide and custom milling services.
Maintenance & Care
Jatoba is naturally durable and requires minimal ongoing maintenance. Its extreme hardness means the surface resists wear, scratches, and dents far better than softer species.
Interior Flooring
Sweep regularly and clean with a hardwood floor cleaner. Refinish every 5-10 years for high-traffic areas. Jatoba's hardness means it shows wear much more slowly than oak or maple floors.
Exterior Use
Apply UV-protective oil annually to maintain the rich reddish-brown color. Without treatment, Jatoba will weather to a silver-gray patina while remaining structurally sound. Clean with a hardwood deck cleaner as needed.
Color Change
Jatoba undergoes significant natural color change during the first month after installation — from salmon-red to deep reddish-brown. This is normal and expected. Rearrange rugs and furniture periodically during this period to ensure even color development.
Important Considerations
Dramatic Color Change
Jatoba darkens significantly after installation. Plan for this by not judging the final color from freshly cut samples.
Not True Cherry
Despite the "Brazilian Cherry" trade name, Jatoba is unrelated to American Cherry (Prunus serotina). It is much harder and very different in character.
Dense & Heavy
At 57 lbs/ft³, Jatoba is heavy lumber. Ensure adequate structural support for flooring and decking applications.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jatoba
Quick answers to common questions
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