SENTIENT ╲ Materials ╲ Woods ╲ Tigerwood

Tigerwood

Tigerwood is a trade name used for multiple tropical species, with the most commonly traded in the Americas being Goncalo Alves (Astronium graveolens). It is a dense, figured hardwood with distinctive dark striping that makes it one of the most visually dramatic woods available. SENTIENT uses tigerwood for statement furniture where bold figure is the design feature, and we recommend confirming the botanical identity with the supplier for each purchase.

Characteristics

Astronium graveolens (common trade identity) (Anacardiaceae), a Hardwood (angiosperm). Also known as Tigerwood, Goncalo Alves, Muiracatiara.

Heartwood is typically medium reddish brown with irregularly spaced streaks of dark brown to black that create the dramatic striping the wood is known for. Color tends to darken with age, deepening the contrast between light and dark areas. The grain can be straight but is usually wavy or interlocked, with a fine, uniform texture and good natural luster. Some pieces may be relatively uniform in color with no visible streaks, so board selection is important when the striping is the primary design element.

Indoors, tigerwood is used for fine furniture, cabinet work, decorative veneers, flooring, and specialty items where the bold striping is the primary design element. Outdoor suitability: good natural weather resistance for many species sold as tigerwood, though outdoor suitability should be confirmed based on the specific botanical identity. figure-first wood where the dramatic dark striping across the surface is the central design feature.

Performance and Strength

Despite its high density, Goncalo Alves is generally not too difficult to work with machine tools, though figured pieces with irregular grain can pose challenges during planing. The wood has a moderate blunting effect on cutters, and its resistance to moisture absorption can make gluing more difficult than with domestic species. Tigerwood turns and finishes well, with a Janka hardness of 2,170 lbf and a specific gravity of 0.91 that gives finished pieces a substantial, premium feel. The heartwood is rated very durable with excellent weathering properties and strong decay resistance.

Property	Value	What It Means
Janka hardness	2,170 lbf	Very hard and impact resistant
Specific gravity	0.91	Dense, heavy, and premium-feeling in finished work
Volumetric shrinkage	11.2%	Stable when acclimated, but still responsive to humidity
Decay resistance	High	Suitable for demanding indoor use and select exterior applications

Where It Comes From

Goncalo Alves grows from Mexico southward through Central America to Brazil, with trees reaching 100 to 130 feet tall and trunk diameters of 3 to 5 feet. Density and mechanical properties can vary depending on the growing site and source region, so consistent supplier relationships matter. African tigerwood is a separate species entirely and should not be confused with the Astronium-based wood sold under the same trade name.

Typical harvest age: Harvest timing varies by species and growing site. The species is not listed in CITES and is reported by the IUCN as a species of least concern.

We source tigerwood through responsible tropical suppliers who can confirm botanical identity for each batch. Because the trade name covers multiple species, confirming whether the wood is Astronium graveolens, A. fraxinifolium, or another species is important for consistent results.

Cutting and Drying

Tigerwood is sawn into board and slab formats selected specifically for dramatic grain and figure. The wood’s density requires sharp tooling and controlled feed rates. For slab pieces, we follow our standard drying protocol: air-dried up to 18 months, then kiln-dried for 3 months to ensure dimensional stability and minimize post-installation movement.

Recommended Finishes

Hardwax oil: Accentuates depth in dense hardwoods.
Lacquer: Polished film and sheen control.
Water-based clear: Lower ambering. Note grain raising.

Oil-based finishes accentuate the depth and color movement in tigerwood’s figured grain. Because the wood is highly resistant to moisture absorption, surface preparation before gluing requires extra attention. Water-based finishes can cause grain raising, so test on a sample board before committing to a full surface. The fine texture and high density mean tigerwood takes a polished finish well, and lacquer provides excellent sheen control for indoor pieces.

Browse all options in our finishes guide.

Care and Maintenance

Daily Care

Dust with a soft, dry cloth or microfiber.
For routine cleaning, use a slightly damp cloth, then wipe dry.
Avoid abrasive sponges and harsh chemical cleaners, especially ammonia-based or silicone-containing products.
Wipe spills promptly. Use coasters and trivets for heat and water protection.

Environment

Maintain indoor humidity around 40 to 60 percent to reduce seasonal movement in solid wood.
Avoid placing the piece near heating vents, fireplaces, or prolonged direct sunlight.

Maintenance Schedule

Oil-finished surfaces: Refresh (clean, lightly abrade if needed, reapply oil) once or twice per year depending on use.
Film-finished surfaces (water-based clear, polyurethane, lacquer): Clean gently. Refinish generally only after visible wear or damage.

Repair

Oil systems: Minor scratches can often be blended by light sanding and re-oiling.
Film systems: Small scratches may be spot-repaired. Deeper damage may require sanding and refinishing the affected area.

Outdoor Furniture

Outdoor exposure increases stress on finishes.
If maintaining original color: plan periodic UV-protective oiling (often annually). Otherwise, allow natural silvering and focus on cleaning and inspection.
Avoid pressure washing. High-pressure water can erode surface fibers, increase splintering, and shorten finish life.

For more details, see our care and maintenance FAQ.

Sources

USDA Tropical Timbers: Astronium species identification

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