Tigerwood is a dense, hard, and durable tropical hardwood known for its striking reddish-orange color and dark stripes. The distinctive grain pattern resembles the stripes of a tiger, which is where the common name comes from.
Tigerwood is commonly associated with Astronium species from tropical Central and South America. Depending on the region and timber supplier, the name may refer to species such as Astronium fraxinifolium and Astronium graveolens. It is also sold under names such as Gonçalo Alves and Jobillo.
Tigerwood is valued for its combination of hardness, natural durability, attractive appearance, and resistance to wear. It is used for flooring, decking, furniture, cabinetry, decorative woodworking, and other interior and exterior applications.
However, Tigerwood is not an easy wood to work with. Its density and irregular grain can make machining more difficult, and its natural color can change with prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Tigerwood Wood Properties
| Property | Tigerwood |
|---|---|
| Common names | Tigerwood, Gonçalo Alves, Jobillo |
| Genus | Astronium |
| Wood type | Tropical hardwood |
| Origin | Central and South America |
| Dried weight | About 57 lb/ft³ (905 kg/m³) |
| Janka hardness | About 2,170 lbf (9,640 N) |
| Color | Orange-red to reddish-brown |
| Grain | Straight, wavy, or interlocked |
| Texture | Fine to medium |
| Durability | High |
| Rot resistance | Good |
| Workability | Moderate to difficult |
| Common uses | Flooring, decking, furniture, cabinetry, decorative work |
Wood properties can vary depending on the exact Astronium species, growing conditions, and source.
Why Is Tigerwood Called Tigerwood?
Tigerwood gets its name from its distinctive appearance.
The heartwood commonly has a reddish-orange to reddish-brown background with irregular dark brown or black streaks. These contrasting stripes can resemble the pattern of a tiger.
The amount and intensity of striping can vary significantly from board to board. This natural variation is one of the main reasons Tigerwood is popular for decorative applications.
Tigerwood Appearance and Color
Tigerwood has one of the most distinctive appearances among tropical hardwoods.
Its heartwood can range from:
- Orange
- Orange-red
- Reddish-brown
- Dark reddish-brown
Dark streaks or stripes are often present throughout the wood.
The grain can be straight, wavy, or interlocked, and the texture is generally fine to medium.
Like many tropical hardwoods, Tigerwood can change color with exposure to sunlight. The reddish-orange tones may become darker or more brown over time.
A suitable UV-resistant finish can help slow this color change.
Tigerwood Uses
Tigerwood is a versatile hardwood used for both decorative and functional applications.
1. Flooring
Tigerwood is a popular choice for hardwood flooring because of its high hardness and distinctive appearance.
Its Janka hardness of around 2,170 lbf gives it good resistance to dents and everyday wear.
The natural striped pattern can make a Tigerwood floor a strong visual feature in a room.
2. Decking
Tigerwood is also used for outdoor decking because of its density and natural durability.
Its resistance to decay and insects makes it suitable for exterior applications when properly installed and maintained.
Outdoor Tigerwood will naturally weather over time if left unfinished.
3. Furniture
Tigerwood can be used to make:
- Tables
- Chairs
- Benches
- Cabinets
- Desks
- Decorative furniture
Its distinctive grain can make even relatively simple furniture pieces visually attractive.
4. Cabinetry
Tigerwood can be used for high-end cabinetry and decorative panels.
Its rich color and contrasting grain make it particularly suitable for applications where the natural appearance of the wood is intended to remain visible.
5. Decorative Woodworking
Tigerwood is suitable for many decorative woodworking projects, including:
- Turning
- Carving
- Trim
- Paneling
- Inlays
- Small specialty products
Its hardness allows it to produce a durable finished surface.
6. Tool and Specialty Handles
Its hardness and density also make Tigerwood suitable for certain handles and specialty woodworking products where strength and wear resistance are desirable.
Advantages of Tigerwood
1. Highly Durable
Tigerwood is a durable tropical hardwood with good natural resistance to decay.
This makes it suitable for demanding interior and exterior applications.
However, durability varies according to the exact species, heartwood quality, exposure, and installation conditions.
2. High Hardness
Tigerwood has a Janka hardness of approximately 2,170 lbf (9,640 N).
This is considerably harder than many common softwoods and several commonly used hardwoods.
Its hardness helps the wood resist dents and surface wear.
3. Excellent Appearance
The biggest advantage of Tigerwood is its appearance.
The combination of reddish-orange heartwood and dark contrasting stripes gives it a distinctive natural look that is difficult to reproduce with ordinary wood species.
4. Good Outdoor Durability
Tigerwood’s natural durability makes it suitable for various exterior applications.
It can perform well when exposed to outdoor conditions, provided that it is properly installed and maintained.
5. Good Wear Resistance
Tigerwood’s hardness makes it suitable for surfaces exposed to frequent use.
This is particularly useful for flooring and other applications where resistance to dents and abrasion is important.
6. Long Service Potential
Properly installed and maintained Tigerwood can provide a long service life.
Its natural durability reduces the need for preservative treatment in many applications, although a finish may still be useful for protecting its appearance.
Disadvantages of Tigerwood
1. Difficult to Work With
Tigerwood is dense and hard, which can make cutting, drilling, and machining more difficult.
Sharp tools are important, and boards with interlocked or irregular grain can increase the risk of tear-out.
2. Can Dull Cutting Tools
The density and hardness of Tigerwood can cause cutting tools to lose their sharpness faster than when working with softer woods.
Carbide-tipped tools are often useful for demanding machining operations.
3. Color Changes Over Time
Tigerwood’s bright reddish-orange color does not remain exactly the same forever.
Exposure to sunlight can cause the wood to darken and gradually lose some of its original color contrast.
Outdoor unfinished Tigerwood can eventually develop a weathered appearance.
4. Higher Cost
Tigerwood is generally more expensive than common domestic softwoods and many standard hardwoods.
The price depends on:
- Grade
- Board size
- Thickness
- Figure and color
- Availability
- Supplier
- Location
- Shipping costs
5. Heavy
With a dried density of approximately 905 kg/m³, Tigerwood is considerably heavier than many common wood species.
Large boards can therefore be more difficult to transport and handle.
Working With Tigerwood
Tigerwood can be worked with both hand and machine tools, but its high density means that it requires more care than softer woods.
Use sharp tools when cutting or machining it.
Boards with irregular or interlocked grain can cause tear-out, particularly when planing.
Pre-drilling is recommended when using screws or other fasteners because the wood is hard and dense.
Tigerwood can produce a good finish when properly prepared. Sanding the surface progressively with appropriate grits can help create a smooth final surface.
Does Tigerwood Glue Well?
Tigerwood can be glued, but its density and natural extractives can make bonding more challenging than with many domestic woods.
Proper surface preparation and an adhesive recommended for dense hardwoods can improve the result.
Always follow the adhesive manufacturer’s instructions.
Tigerwood Hardness
Tigerwood has a Janka hardness of approximately 2,170 lbf (9,640 N).
This makes it a hard wood that can resist dents and wear well.
For comparison:
| Wood Species | Janka Hardness |
|---|---|
| Ipe | ~3,680 lbf |
| Cumaru | ~3,300 lbf |
| Cocobolo | ~2,960 lbf |
| Tigerwood | ~2,170 lbf |
| Wenge | ~1,930 lbf |
| Merbau | ~1,840 lbf |
| Sapele | ~1,410 lbf |
| Red Oak | ~1,290 lbf |
| Black Walnut | ~1,010 lbf |
Janka values can vary between species and sources, so these figures are useful for general comparison rather than exact engineering specifications.
Tigerwood vs Cocobolo
Tigerwood and Cocobolo are both attractive tropical hardwoods, but they have different characteristics.
| Feature | Tigerwood | Cocobolo |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Orange-red with dark stripes | Orange-red to dark reddish-brown |
| Janka hardness | ~2,170 lbf | ~2,960 lbf |
| Density | ~905 kg/m³ | ~1,095 kg/m³ |
| Durability | High | Very high |
| Workability | Moderate to difficult | Difficult |
| Appearance | Distinctive striped grain | Often highly figured |
| Cost | Moderate to high | Usually high |
Cocobolo is generally harder and denser than Tigerwood and is often more expensive.
Tigerwood, however, has its own distinctive striped appearance and can be a more practical choice when its appearance and properties fit the project.
Tigerwood vs Ipe
Ipe is generally harder and denser than Tigerwood.
| Feature | Tigerwood | Ipe |
|---|---|---|
| Janka hardness | ~2,170 lbf | ~3,680 lbf |
| Density | ~905 kg/m³ | ~1,050 kg/m³ |
| Durability | High | Very high |
| Color | Reddish-orange with dark stripes | Brown to dark brown |
| Workability | Difficult | Very difficult |
| Outdoor use | Excellent | Excellent |
Ipe has an advantage in hardness and extreme outdoor durability, while Tigerwood is often selected for its distinctive appearance.
Is Tigerwood Waterproof?
No, Tigerwood is not waterproof.
It is a naturally durable hardwood and has good resistance to moisture compared with many less-dense species, but it can still absorb water.
Repeated or prolonged exposure to moisture can cause wood to expand, contract, discolor, or eventually deteriorate.
For exterior applications, proper installation, drainage, ventilation, and maintenance are important.
Is Tigerwood Rot Resistant?
Yes, Tigerwood has good natural resistance to decay.
Its natural durability makes it suitable for many outdoor applications. However, no untreated wood is completely immune to rot.
Constant exposure to standing water, poor drainage, soil contact, or prolonged moisture can eventually cause deterioration.
Is Tigerwood Termite Resistant?
Tigerwood has natural durability and can provide resistance to many wood-destroying organisms, but it should not be described as completely termite-proof.
Termite resistance can vary according to the exact species, heartwood quality, environmental conditions, and type of termite.
If termite protection is critical, use appropriate construction practices and follow local pest-control recommendations.
Is Tigerwood Fire Resistant?
Tigerwood should not be considered fire-resistant simply because it is a dense hardwood.
Like other untreated wood, Tigerwood is combustible.
Its density may affect how quickly it burns compared with some lighter woods, but this does not make it a fire-resistant building material.
If a project requires a specific fire rating, use a product that has been tested and certified for the required fire performance.
Is Tigerwood Good for Flooring?
Yes. Tigerwood can be an excellent hardwood flooring option.
Its high hardness provides good resistance to dents and wear, while its striped appearance creates a distinctive floor.
However, it is important to consider the installation environment, moisture conditions, board quality, and finish.
Benefits of Tigerwood Flooring
- Very hard surface
- Good wear resistance
- Attractive natural color
- Distinctive grain pattern
- Good durability
- Suitable for high-traffic areas
Its main drawbacks for flooring are its higher cost and the difficulty of machining and installation.
Is Tigerwood Good for Decking?
Yes. Tigerwood can be a good choice for outdoor decking.
Its natural durability, hardness, and attractive color make it suitable for exterior decks.
However, outdoor exposure will gradually change its appearance. If you want to preserve its reddish-orange color, regular application of an appropriate UV-protective finish may be necessary.
Because Tigerwood is dense, installers should use suitable fasteners and pre-drill when required.
How to Maintain Tigerwood
Tigerwood maintenance depends on whether you want to preserve its original color or allow it to weather naturally.
To Preserve the Original Color
- Clean the surface regularly.
- Remove dirt and debris.
- Use a suitable UV-protective exterior finish.
- Reapply the finish according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Avoid allowing standing water to remain on the surface.
To Allow Natural Weathering
You can leave exterior Tigerwood unfinished and allow it to weather naturally.
The reddish-orange color will gradually become less vibrant and may develop a grayish or weathered appearance.
This color change does not necessarily mean that the wood has lost its structural durability.
Tigerwood Cost
Tigerwood prices vary widely depending on the product and market.
Factors affecting the price include:
- Lumber grade
- Board dimensions
- Thickness
- Color and grain pattern
- Finished or unfinished material
- Supplier
- Location
- Shipping costs
Instead of relying on a fixed price per board or linear foot, compare current prices for boards of the same dimensions and grade.
Installation can also add significantly to the total project cost because dense tropical hardwoods generally require more specialized tools and labor.
Is Tigerwood Sustainable?
The sustainability of Tigerwood depends on the exact species, geographic origin, harvesting practices, and legality of the timber.
Because “Tigerwood” is a trade name that can refer to different Astronium species, buyers should check the scientific name and source of the lumber.
When possible, choose timber from responsible sources and look for recognized forest-certification or chain-of-custody documentation.
Do not assume that a common name alone proves that a particular piece of wood is sustainably harvested.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tigerwood a hardwood?
Yes. Tigerwood is a tropical hardwood known for its high density, hardness, and durability.
What is Tigerwood wood?
Tigerwood is a trade and common name generally used for certain Astronium species from Central and South America. It is known for reddish-orange heartwood with distinctive dark stripes.
Why is Tigerwood so expensive?
Tigerwood is more expensive than common softwoods because it is a tropical hardwood that is relatively dense, durable, and often imported. Its price also depends on grade, availability, dimensions, and grain pattern.
Is Tigerwood stronger than oak?
Tigerwood is generally harder than common oak flooring. For example, Tigerwood is around 2,170 lbf on the Janka hardness scale, while Red Oak is around 1,290 lbf.
Hardness and overall structural strength are different properties, so Janka hardness alone should not be used to determine which wood is structurally stronger.
Does Tigerwood fade?
Yes. Tigerwood can change color when exposed to sunlight.
Its reddish-orange tones may become darker or less vibrant over time. A suitable UV-protective finish can slow this process.
Does Tigerwood need to be sealed?
A finish is not necessarily required simply to make Tigerwood durable, but sealing or finishing can help protect the surface and preserve its color, particularly in outdoor applications.
Is Tigerwood good for outdoor furniture?
Yes. Its natural durability and resistance to wear make it suitable for outdoor furniture.
However, outdoor furniture should still be designed to drain water properly and maintained according to the finish and exposure conditions.
Is Tigerwood harder than Ipe?
No. Ipe is generally harder than Tigerwood. Tigerwood is around 2,170 lbf, while Ipe is commonly reported at around 3,680 lbf on the Janka hardness scale.
Is Tigerwood better than teak?
Neither is universally better.
Tigerwood is harder and has a distinctive striped appearance, while teak is well known for its dimensional stability, natural oils, and excellent outdoor durability.
The better choice depends on the application, appearance, maintenance requirements, availability, and budget.
Final Thoughts
Tigerwood is a dense, hard, durable tropical hardwood best known for its distinctive reddish-orange color and dark tiger-like stripes.
Its combination of hardness, durability, wear resistance, and unique appearance makes it suitable for flooring, decking, furniture, cabinetry, and decorative woodworking.
The main disadvantages are its high density, difficult machining, weight, potential color changes, and relatively high cost.
Tigerwood is not waterproof or fire-resistant, and its outdoor performance still depends on proper installation, drainage, and maintenance.
If you want a hardwood with a distinctive appearance and excellent resistance to everyday wear, Tigerwood can be an excellent choice.