Brazilian Redwood / Paraju
Scientific name:
Manilkara bidentata
Other names:
Acana
Beefwood
Bolletri
Massaranduba
Nispero
Paraju
Red Balata
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The tree is usually large, attaining heights of 100 to 150 feet, with diameters of 24 to 48 inches, (60 to 120 cm), sometimes reaching 6 feet (1.8 m). Trees are usually swollen at the base, and boles are often straight and clear to about 60 feet (18 m). Massaranduba is an environmentally responsible alternative to chemically treated and composite decking products. Nearly blemish free, Massaranduba is strong enough to use 1″ boards in place of 5/4″ or 2″ boards.
Weight:
81/67lbs/ft3 ; green1298/dry 1074 kg/cm3
Use:
Bent Parts, Billiard-cue butts, Boat building (general), Boat building: framing, Bridge beams, Bridge construction, Bridge joists, Building construction, Building materials, Cabin construction, Cabinetmaking, Chairs, Charcoal, Chests, Construction, Decks, Desks, Dining-room furniture, Domestic flooring, musical instruments, and shingles.
General characteristic:
The sapwood of Brazilian redwood is white to light brown, while the heartwood is light to darker reddish-brown in color. The species has a straight, sometimes wavy grain and is fine and uniform in texture. This is a low to medium luster wood.
Working properties:
Brazilian redwood is moderately easy to saw. Pre-boring is suggested yet the wood holds nails well once applied. Gluing can be difficult to accomplish with paraju flooring. This species sands very well and polishes to a smooth surface.
Drying and shrinkage:
Radial Shrinkage 6.3%; Tangential Shrinkage 9.4%; Volumetric Shrinkage16.9%, Brazilian redwood is diffuclt and time consuming to dry properly. Once dried, this species is very resistant to moisture absorbtion.
Durability:
With a high resistance to termites and decay, Brazilian Redwood carries traits useful in outdoor decking. After a sometimes difficult drying process, this species is extremely moisture resistant.
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