hardwood · Machaerium scleroxylon
Pau Ferro wood properties
Also known as: morado, bolivian rosewood, santos rosewood, caviuna.
| Type | hardwood |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Machaerium scleroxylon |
| Modulus of elasticity (MOE) | 1,574,000 psi |
| Specific gravity | 0.87 |
| Density (approx) | 54 lb/ft³ (4.5 lb per board foot) |
| Janka hardness | 1,960 lbf |
| Shrinkage (tangential / radial) | 6.7% / 2.8% |
| Region | Tropical South America (mainly Brazil and Bolivia) |
A 1 in x 6 in x 8 ft board of Pau Ferro weighs about 18.1 lb (roughly 54 lb per cubic foot). Its Janka hardness of 1,960 lbf is harder than about 80% of the woods in our database.
Uses and working notes
Common uses: veneer, musical instruments, cabinetry, flooring, interior trim, turning.
Durability: Very durable against decay but easily attacked by insects and unsuited to ground contact.
Workability: Workability is fair; it dulls edges, and irregular grain tends to tear during machining.
Use this data
Similar woods
Woods with comparable hardness and density to Pau Ferro:
How these numbers were sourced
MOE, SG (12% MC), Janka and shrinkage from The Wood Database (citing USDA FPL and related sources). This imported species is not listed in the FPL/Hoadley dimensional change coefficient table, so CT/CR and movement source are omitted. Uses, region, durability and workability summarized from The Wood Database. Price indicative.
Values shown as estimates rather than sourced constants: typicalPricePerBF_usd.
Sources
These calculators are for planning and estimation. Engineering results (shelf sag, wood movement) use published average material properties; real boards vary by grade, grain, moisture and defects. Verify load-bearing designs with a professional.