Wood Database: Professional Species Reference & Technical Specifications
This comprehensive database serves as the definitive technical resource for specialty wood species, providing detailed specifications, working characteristics, and application data essential for professional material selection and project planning.
Database Overview and Classification System
Premium Hardwood Species Database
Our curated collection focuses on specialty hardwoods prized for their unique characteristics, exceptional durability, and distinctive aesthetic properties. These species represent premium materials for high-end applications where standard lumber cannot meet performance or visual requirements.
Technical Data and Specifications
Each species entry includes critical technical parameters:
- Janka Hardness Rating (lbf)
- Specific Gravity and Density Values
- Dimensional Stability Coefficients
- Working Characteristics Assessment
- Finishing and Adhesion Properties
- Availability and Sourcing Information
Premium Hardwood Species Collection
Exotic Hardwoods for Specialized Applications
Purpleheart Wood
Scientific Name: Peltogyne spp. Origin: Central and South America Janka Hardness: 2,520 lbf
Purpleheart stands as one of the most distinctive hardwoods available to professionals, featuring vibrant purple heartwood that intensifies with age and UV exposure. This exceptional density and natural durability make it suitable for high-stress applications including luxury flooring, architectural details, and precision instruments.
Key Applications: Premium flooring, inlays, cutting boards, architectural accents Working Notes: Requires carbide tooling due to extreme hardness; pre-drilling essential
Wenge Wood
Scientific Name: Millettia laurentii Origin: Central Africa Janka Hardness: 1,930 lbf
Wenge delivers unmatched visual impact with its dark chocolate to black coloration and prominent grain structure. Limited availability due to conservation restrictions makes proper material planning essential for projects requiring this distinctive species.
Key Applications: Luxury furniture, architectural millwork, musical instruments, decorative veneers Working Notes: Splinters easily; requires careful handling and dust protection during machining
Teak
Scientific Name: Tectona grandis Origin: Southeast Asia (plantation grown) Janka Hardness: 1,155 lbf
Teak remains the gold standard for marine and exterior applications due to its exceptional natural oil content and weather resistance. High silica content provides inherent pest resistance while maintaining dimensional stability in variable moisture conditions.
Key Applications: Marine construction, exterior furniture, decking, architectural elements Working Notes: Dulls cutting tools rapidly; requires frequent tool maintenance
Ipe Wood
Scientific Name: Handroanthus spp. Origin: Central and South America Janka Hardness: 3,510 lbf
Ipe represents the pinnacle of hardwood performance, offering unmatched density and natural durability for the most demanding structural applications. Fire rating classifications and 25+ year exterior lifespan without treatment make it ideal for commercial installations.
Key Applications: Commercial decking, boardwalks, structural beams, high-traffic flooring Working Notes: Requires specialized carbide tooling; pre-drilling mandatory for all fasteners
Specialty and Figured Hardwoods
Curly Maple
Scientific Name: Acer saccharum (figured) Origin: Eastern North America Janka Hardness: 1,450 lbf
Curly maple's distinctive three-dimensional figure creates unmatched visual depth for premium applications. This figured variety of hard maple commands premium pricing while maintaining excellent working characteristics and finishing properties.
Key Applications: Musical instruments, fine furniture, architectural millwork, decorative veneers Working Notes: Figure can cause tear-out; requires sharp tools and careful grain direction awareness
Cocobolo
Scientific Name: Dalbergia retusa Origin: Central America Janka Hardness: 2,750 lbf
Cocobolo's striking orange and red coloration with contrasting black streaks makes it highly sought for luxury applications. Natural oils provide inherent moisture resistance while creating challenges for finishing adhesion.
Key Applications: Knife handles, musical instruments, fine woodworking, luxury accessories Working Notes: High oil content requires specialized finishing techniques; may cause allergic reactions
Sapele
Scientific Name: Entandrophragma cylindricum Origin: West Africa Janka Hardness: 1,410 lbf
Sapele offers mahogany-like appearance with superior dimensional stability and figure options. Interlocked grain creates ribbon figure when quartersawn, providing premium appearance at competitive pricing compared to genuine mahogany.
Key Applications: Cabinetry, architectural millwork, boat building, musical instruments Working Notes: Interlocked grain requires careful machining to prevent tear-out
Sustainable and Alternative Species
Mango Wood
Scientific Name: Mangifera indica Origin: Tropical regions (sustainable harvest) Janka Hardness: 1,070 lbf
Mango represents sustainable hardwood sourcing from fruit tree harvesting, offering attractive figure and workable characteristics. Variable grain patterns provide unique aesthetic opportunities while supporting sustainable forestry practices.
Key Applications: Furniture, decorative items, architectural accents, sustainable construction Working Notes: Requires careful drying to prevent checking; variable grain direction
Olive Wood
Scientific Name: Olea europaea Origin: Mediterranean region Janka Hardness: 1,200 lbf
Olive wood's distinctive grain patterns and historical significance make it prized for specialty applications. Natural antimicrobial properties and unique figure patterns create opportunities for food-safe and decorative applications.
Key Applications: Kitchenware, decorative bowls, specialty furniture, artistic projects Working Notes: Irregular grain requires sharp tools; natural oils affect finishing
Carving and Specialty Application Woods
Basswood
Scientific Name: Tilia americana Origin: Eastern North America Janka Hardness: 410 lbf
Basswood provides exceptional carving characteristics with minimal grain interference and consistent working properties. Light color accepts stains and finishes uniformly while maintaining fine detail capability.
Key Applications: Carving, musical instruments, pattern making, architectural models Working Notes: Soft nature requires sharp tools to prevent compression; excellent paint adhesion
Database Search and Filter Tools
Advanced Species Selection Criteria
By Application Category:
- Marine and Exterior Use: Teak, Ipe
- Premium Furniture: Wenge, Purpleheart, Curly Maple
- Musical Instruments: Cocobolo, Sapele, Basswood
- Sustainable Options: Mango, Olive
By Working Characteristics:
- Easy Machining: Basswood, Mango, Sapele
- Challenging/Specialty Tooling: Ipe, Purpleheart, Cocobolo
- Finishing Considerations: Teak, Cocobolo, Olive
By Hardness Range:
- Ultra-Hard (2,500+ lbf): Ipe, Purpleheart, Cocobolo
- Hard (1,500-2,500 lbf): Wenge, Curly Maple, Sapele
- Moderate (1,000-1,500 lbf): Teak, Mango, Olive
- Soft (<1,000 lbf): Basswood
Technical Resources and Professional Support
Sourcing and Availability Information
Specialty wood sourcing requires understanding seasonal availability, sustainable harvesting practices, and import regulations. Each species presents unique challenges in material procurement and project planning.
Quality Grading Standards
Professional applications demand consistent quality standards. Understanding defect classifications, moisture content requirements, and dimensional tolerances ensures successful project outcomes.
Working Safety Protocols
Several database species require specific safety considerations including dust protection, allergic reaction awareness, and specialized tool requirements. Proper safety protocols protect both workers and project quality.
This database represents current industry knowledge and continues expanding as new species information becomes available. Professional consultation recommended for critical applications requiring detailed specifications beyond standard parameters.