Greenheart

Colour and Appearance – Heartwood can be highly variable in color, and is sometimes sold sorted into color categories of black, brown, yellow, and white—though there doesn’t seem to be any difference in strength or physical properties between the different colors. Generally the heartwood tends to be a pale brown to olive green color, sometimes with darker streaks. Yellowish sapwood is not clearly demarcated from the heartwood.

Grain and Texture – Grain tends to be straight to interlocked, with a fine to medium grain and good natural luster.

Rot Resistant – Greenheart is rated as very durable, with excellent insect/borer resistance. It’s also considered to be one of the best-suited woods for use in marine environments, and has good weathering and wear characteristics.

Workability – Generally somewhat difficult to work on account of its density, with a moderate to high blunting effect on cutters. Sections with interlocked grain should be machined with care to avoid grain tear out. Gluing can be difficult. Turns and finishes well. Responds moderately well to steam-bending.

Odor – Freshly cut green wood can have an aromatic scent, though the dried wood has little to no characteristic odor.

Allergies – Although severe reactions are quite uncommon, Greenheart has been reported as a sensitizer. Greenheart has also been observed to cause a number of other health effects, such as wheezing, cardiac and intestinal disorders, severe throat irritation, and the tendency for wood splinters to become infected.

Sustainability – This wood species is not listed in the CITES Appendices, and is reported by the IUCN as being data deficient. It was formerly listed on the Red List as vulnerable, but this listing has been disputed by the Guyana Forestry Commission.^[1]

Common Uses: Boatbuilding, Bridges, docks, decking, posts, fishing rods, pool cues, and other turned wood items.

Comments: True to form, the Latin name given for the genus is Chlorocardium, being a combination of chloro (green) and cardia (heart). The wood is sometimes called Demerara greenheart (Demerara is a historical name for a Dutch colony that more or less corresponds to modern-day Guyana) to help distinguish it from other woods sometimes called greenheart. Although not common, Ipe is sometimes referred to as Suriname Greenheart, while Okan is sometimes called African Greenheart—though neither species bears close relation to true Greenheart.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Greenheart wood?

A South American native found primarily in Guyana and Suriname, Greenheart wood boasts exceptional strength, rot resistance, and a natural durability that’s appealing, especially for marine and heavy construction. While the wood itself comes in various natural colours, including hues of black, white, yellow, and brown, there are no notable differences in qualities or properties between the colours.

How strong is Greenheart wood?

If you need an incredibly strong and durable wood, you won’t be disappointed with Greenheart wood. It’s one of the strongest timbers in the world. With a density of around 1,000-1,200kg/m3 and extremely high bending and compression strength, it’s ideal for heavy-duty uses, including piling, dock work, and structural uses where maximum load-bearing capabilities are essential.

How does Greenheart wood compare to teak?

Both Greenheart wood and teak are incredibly durable, but when comparing the two, Greenheart is denser and more resistant to impact and abrasion than teak. That being said, teak is easier to work with and delivers a smoother finish, but it’s outperformed by Greenheart in lifespan and strength.

Is Greenheart wood difficult to work with?

Greenheart wood is hard and because of this, it can be difficult to work with not to mention challenging to machine or cut due to it blunting tools quickly. It requires sharp tungsten-tipped blades and precision when cutting, as it’s prone to splintering. Plus, it doesn’t hold nails or screws well, so pre-drilling is essential to prevent splitting.

Where is the best place to get Greenheart wood in the UK?

We understand the intricacies of working with exotic woods like Greenheart wood. We only supply premium-grade wood, and our experience means we can advise you on how to work with Greenheart wood for the best results. We deliver UK-wide and can work with you for custom orders of your Greenheart wood needs.