Greenheart Slabs

Common names: cogwood, demerara greenheart, Isipingo moena, sipiri, bebeeru, bibiru

Short Description: Greenheart is a tough wood with fine to medium fine grain and diffuse-porous end grain. Its grain varies from straight to interlocking, and the lumber exudes an attractive natural sheen.

Country of Origin: Northeastern South America

Color: Pale olive green heartwood with prevalent darker streaks. Its sapwood is yellowish green which is almost indistinguishable from the heartwood.

Janka Scale Hardness: 2,530 lbf (11, 260 N)

Dried Average Weight: 63 lbs/ft³ (1,010 kg/m³)

Common Uses: boatbuilding, docks, fence, decking, pool cues, fishing rods, other turned objects

What Is Greenheart Wood?

Greenheart has been one of the most valued woods in marine architecture since the early 1900s. Shipbuilders utilize it for maritime applications, such as building hulls and engine mount steer posts. It is well-known for its durability and ability to withstand different weather conditions and insect infestations.

The lumber has a distinctive green coloring, which protects it from organisms that feast on wood.

Where Does Greenheart Wood Come From?

Greenheart (Chlorocardium rodiei), also known as bebeeru, is a timber from the Lauraceae or laurel family. Its botanical name Chlorocardium technically means green heart, referring to the color of its heartwood.

Greenheart thrives in Guiana, Suriname, Peru, Ecuador, French Guiana, and Colombia. It dominates lowland tropical forests but is also occasionally found in other types of forests.

Is Greenheart a Hardwood or Softwood?

Greenheart is a tropical hardwood with considerable durability and strength that does not need treatment. It is valuable not just in boat construction but also for other edifices like docks, bridges, and piling for wharves.

How Dense Is Greenheart?

Greenheart has an approximate density of 71.48 lbs/ft³ (1145 kg/m³) and specific gravity of 0.80 to 0.91 oven-dry. Its density causes it to become moderately difficult to work with hand tools and machines. It tends to dull the blade easily but takes a high polish when finished.

How to Distinguish Real Greenheart Slab

Greenheart is light to dark olive green with intermingling light and dark areas. Greenheart wood slab should also be odorless with a fine and uniform textured surface and natural luster.

Is Greenheart a Good Option for Outdoor Furniture?

Greenheart wood is rated highly resistant and weathers well, so it is safe even for outdoor furniture. It is impervious to treatments, but its natural compound protects the wood against organisms and decay.

What to Look for When Buying Greenheart

Look for a seasoned greenheart wood slab, as the wood is very slow to dry. Warping is normal since the wood contains high moisture but ensures the damage is not excessive.

Maintenance and Care Tips for Greenheart

Greenheart does not need preservative treatment because of its impermeable surface. Exercise due care when working with the wood. Grain tear-out can occur in its interlocked grains if not machined with care. Also, wood pieces that exit the saw blade can split off and splinter. Expert sawyers often restrain the log with chains when sawing to prevent mishaps.

Generally, greenheart is non-toxic and non-irritating. But, its splinters can cause infection when it penetrates the skin.

FAQs

Is greenheart easy to glue?

Tropical hardwoods like greenheart may be fairly challenging to glue because of their resinous surface. Synthetic and non-water-based glue is the best adhesive for attaching dry and sanded pieces of greenheart.

Can I use greenheart for turning?

Many fine woodworkers prefer greenheart wood for its natural green color. It works well for many turning and fine woodworking projects. It is also the best choice for pool cues and fishing rods with its strength and durability.

Where to Buy Greenheart

Greenheart timber has a high commercial value but is seldom available in lumber form. As the demand for this exotic species increases, greenheart live edge wood may be found in some specialty lumber stores.

Alderfer Lumber Company Inc sells many local and imported timbers for various woodworking needs. Here, you can find greenheart wood slab and an array of other exotic woods and timbers for your projects. Enquire with us for the availability so we can check our inventory and give you a cut for a reasonable price.