Wood Species

Sucupira (Tiete Chestnut)

Bowdichia nitida / Bowdichia virgilioides

Janka hardness
2900 lbf
Specific gravity
0.85
Workability
Moderately difficult given density and interlocked grain
See Sucupira (Tiete Chestnut) with a finish on itPreview oils, poly, shellac and more on this species in the Finish Simulator — plus the sanding plan each one needs.
A board of Sucupira (Tiete Chestnut) -- reddish brown with contrasting lighter parenchyma banding
A board of Sucupira (Tiete Chestnut) -- reddish brown with contrasting lighter parenchyma banding

Sucupira, sold in the flooring trade as "Tiete Chestnut," is a case study in how much reported Janka hardness can vary between sources — figures anywhere from about 2,400 lbf up to 3,400+ lbf show up depending who you ask, likely real variation between the several closely related Bowdichia and Diplotropis species that get grouped under one trade name. We're using 2,900 lbf as a working middle estimate rather than pretending to more precision than the sources actually agree on.

Appearance

Heartwood runs medium to dark brown, streaked with both lighter and darker shades — a rich, warm palette that reads more "chestnut" than the harder, pinker Tiete Rosewood it often sits next to on the shelf.

Working Properties

Moderately difficult under hand and machine tools alike, courtesy of its high density — budget for real tool wear.

Typical Uses

Flooring, almost exclusively.

Images

A board of Sucupira (Tiete Chestnut) -- reddish brown with contrasting lighter parenchyma banding

Raw Wood: A board of Sucupira (Tiete Chestnut) -- reddish brown with contrasting lighter parenchyma banding