Cabreuva

Scientific Name:

Myroxylon peruiferum

Other Names and Species:

Bálsamo del Perú
Cabreuva-vermelha
Estoraque
Olor
Sandalo

Origin:

Central and South America

Appearance:

The sapwood of cabreuva is pale brown while the heartwood is purplish-red in color. The species has an interlocked grain and possesses a medium grade texture.

Properties:

Santos mahogany is durable and resists attacks by fungus and insects. The wood remains smooth under friction and is reported to have no odor. Cabreuva can take some time to dry properly but does have good stability characteristics once dry.

Janka Hardness: 2200

As a flooring option, cabreuva is one of the most hard and durable woods. Often refered to as santos mahogany, this species is over sixty percent harder than white oak, about seventy percent harder than red oak, and is over twice the hardness of teak. Brazilian cherry is one of the few flooring species harder than cabreuva, with a rating of 2350.

Workability:

Cabreuva can be somewhat difficult to cut due to its hardness. This species sands easily and takes a good finish.

Principal Uses:

Cabreuva’s uses include flooring, furniture, and veneers.