This incredibly beautiful natural material is reddish brown to dark red and is heavily figured with dark brown to black stripes. It is rated as very durable with high resistance to insects and dry-wood termites. It has a highly lustrous surface that is almost oily. With a Janka density of 1771 (Red Oak is 1260) it is very strong and stable in service.

Because of its incredible beauty, Tigerwood is highly sought after for both interior and exterior applications. From doors to millworks to musical instrument to decking, Tigerwood is a great choice for any project. It is available in both 4/4 and 5/4 x 6, S4S and E4E kiln dried to 12% moisture content. It accepts stain well and the color can be subtly changed.

Tigerwood's exotic beauty, durability, and moderate price make it a unique choice for a variety of projects.

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

Astronium, spp, Muiracatiara-Rajada, Astronium Fraxinifolium

Family: Anacardiaceae

Other Common Names: Bois de zebre, Bossona, Bototo, Coubaril, Gateado, Gomavel, Goncalo alves, Guarabu bata, Guarabu encirado, Guarabu rajado, Gusanero, Jejuira, Kingwood, Locustwood, Muira, Muiraquatiara, Mura, Rajado branco, Red astronium, Robel gateado, Sangue, Tigerwood, Urunday, Urunday-para, Yoke, Zebrawood, Zorrowood

Distribution: The area of natural distribution is from Mexico through Central America to Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay. It is found at altitudes ranging from 150 to 1000 m but is most common at 500-600 m. It grows in areas with annual rainfall of 1200-3000 mm and temperatures of 24-27.5°C in both dry and humid tropical forests. It does not tolerate waterlogging or heavy clay soils. Best growth is obtained on lighter soils with less than 40% clay, neutral pH and good drainage.

The Tree: May grow to 90 to 120 ft in height with trunk diameter of 5 ft. Frequently to heights of 75 ft and diameters of 2 to 3 ft. Boles are clear to 50 ft and more, with or without buttresses.

The Wood: Heartwood reddish brown to dark red, with irregularly spaced blackish brown streaks. Wood has alternating bands of hard and soft tissue, and a mottled figure similar to that of Rosewood is occasionally present.

Weight: Basic specific gravity (oven dry weight/green volume) 0.69 to 0.79; air-dry density 55 to 65 pcf.

Drying and Shrinkage: Generally reported to air-dry with only minor checking and warping. Shrinkage green to oven dry: radial 4%; tangential 7%; volumetric 11%. Movement after manufacture is rated as minimal.

Working Properties: Moderately difficult to work especially with hand tools; has a blunting Effect on cutting edges. Predrill the pilots and coutersinks when using screws.

Durability: Heartwood is resistant to attack by insects and dry-wood termites.