Scientific Name:
Astronium fraxinifolium

Other Names and Species:
Bois de Zebre
Bossona
Bototo
Coubaril
Gateado
Gomavel
Goncalo Alves
Guarabu
Gusanero
Jejuira
Locustwood
Muira
Muiraquatiara
Mura
Kingwood
Urunday-para
Zebrawood
Zorrowood

With origin place in Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Guatemala, Mexico. Tigerwood is a beautiful exotic hardwood floor which provides one of the most unique patterns because it has a reddish/orange background with dark vein striping which give it a tiger-like look. Because of its incredible beauty, tigerwood is highly sought after for both interior and exterior applications.

The sapwood of tigerwood is brownish-white to dirty gray, while the heartwood is reddish-brown to light golden-brown in color. Tigerwood is a great choice and an excellent alternative for those looking for a light-colored floor but prefer something harder and more exotic than maple or beech.

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

Use:
Tigerwood’s uses include flooring, boat building, fine furniture, paneling, plywood, and shutters, and trim.

General Characteristics:
Wood often has a striking figure caused by irregular dark longitudinal bands. Tigerwood remains dimensionally stable and is reported to have no odor. Tigerwood is time consuming to dry properly while preventing degrade. The wood weathers well and is highly resistant to moisture absorption.

Featuring colors ranging from a light golden-brown to red, with brownish black streaks, it darkens gradually over time, accentuating its distinctive grain.

Working Properties:
Moderately difficult to work with, especially with hand tools, with a blunting effect on cutting edges. Pre-boring is suggested yet the wood holds nails well once applied. Glue holds well, but presetting is suggested with tigerwood flooring. This species sands fairly easily but care should be taken as it can scratch somewhat easily in the process. Tigerwood takes polishing very easily.

Drying and Shrinkage:
Generally reported to air-dry well (Dry Density: 1100 kg/m3) with only minor checking and warping. Shrinkage and movement after drying is minimal. Recommended Kiln schedule is T6-D2 for 4/4 stock and T3-D1 for 8/4. Shrinkage green to oven dry: radial 4%; tangential 7%; volumetric 11%. Movement after manufacture is rated as minimal.

Durability:
Heartwood is resistant to attack by insects and dry-wood termites. It is also durable and provides great wear-resistance. It will remain smooth, splinter-free and friendly to bare feet for years.