Cupiuba
Scientific name: Goupia glabra
Overview
Cupiuba is a durable South American hardwood known for its strength, stability, and resistance to decay. It is commonly used in heavy construction and exterior applications, but also performs well in furniture and flooring where durability is required.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Cupiuba
- Scientific Name: Goupia glabra
- Region: South America
- Tree Size: 100–130 ft tall, 3–5 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: ~50–55 lbs/ft³
- Janka Hardness: ~1,690 lbf
- Color: Yellowish brown to medium brown, sometimes with olive tones
- Grain: Straight to slightly interlocked
- Texture: Medium to coarse
Identification Characteristics
Cupiuba typically presents a yellowish to medium brown color that can develop deeper tones over time. The grain is usually straight, though slight interlocking may occur. It has a medium to coarse texture and a somewhat subdued appearance compared to more highly figured tropical hardwoods.
Key identification traits include:
- Yellow to medium brown coloration
- Straight to slightly interlocked grain
- Medium to coarse texture
- Uniform, understated appearance
Working Properties
Cupiuba is moderately easy to work with both hand and machine tools. Its density provides good durability, while still allowing for relatively clean machining. It glues and finishes well, making it suitable for a range of applications.
- Easy to machine and shape
- Moderate tool wear
- Good gluing and finishing properties
- Stable in service
Safety Note
No major health risks are widely associated with Cupiuba, though standard dust precautions should be followed during machining and sanding.
Common Uses
Cupiuba is used in both structural and decorative applications where durability is important.
- Flooring
- Furniture
- Cabinetry
- Exterior construction
- Heavy-duty applications
Sustainability & Notes
Cupiuba is not listed under CITES and is generally considered a sustainable option when sourced responsibly. It is widely available in South American lumber markets.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Garapa (Apuleia leiocarpa)
Garapa is lighter in color and slightly less dense, while Cupiuba offers a bit more strength and durability.
Jatoba (Hymenaea courbaril)
Jatoba is significantly harder and darker, making Cupiuba a more workable alternative.
Tatajuba (Bagassa guianensis)
Tatajuba is more decay-resistant and often used outdoors, while Cupiuba balances interior and exterior use.
Related Guides
Wood Strength and Hardness (Janka Scale) Explained
Cupiuba falls into the mid-to-high hardness range, making it suitable for flooring and structural use.
How to Identify Wood by Grain Pattern
Its relatively uniform grain makes it more subtle compared to highly figured tropical hardwoods.
Working with Hardwood: Machining and Finishing Tips
Cupiuba machines cleanly and finishes well, making it a practical choice for many woodworking projects.
Compare Wood Properties
See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.
Collector Notes
Cupiuba is a valuable addition to a wood collection as a representative of durable, moderately dense South American hardwoods. It provides a useful comparison point between lighter species and extremely dense tropical woods.
Share Your Photos of This Species
Do you have lumber, wood samples, tree photographs, woodworking projects, furniture, carvings, turnings, musical instruments, or other items made from this species?
Exotic Woods of the World welcomes photographs from woodworkers, collectors, sawyers, researchers, and wood enthusiasts around the world. Selected submissions may be featured on this page and throughout our website to help document and showcase real-world examples of this species.
When submitting photos, please include the common name, scientific name (if known), a brief description, and any information you would like us to share with the image.
Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
Learn more about contributing to the collection:
Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
Love This Species?
Enjoy learning about this wood species?
Help support the continued growth of Exotic Woods of the World by participating in our Adopt a Species program. Your support helps fund species research, educational content, photography, videos, and future conservation awareness initiatives.
Support Forest Conservation
This species is part of the growing Exotic Woods of the World reference archive, dedicated to documenting and preserving knowledge of the world’s wood species.
Through the Adopt a Species program, visitors can help support ongoing species research, educational content, photography, video production, and future conservation awareness initiatives.
Contributions help fund the continued expansion of this archive while promoting sustainable forestry education and the long-term appreciation of the world’s forests.
Interested in supporting this species? Visit our Adopt a Species and Conservation Partners pages to learn more.
Availability & Where to Buy
Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.
As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.
Lumber Suppliers:
Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
Related Tools & Products:
Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
Share This Wood Species
Stay Connected
Follow the latest species additions, educational resources, videos, conservation initiatives, and major project milestones through our Site Updates archive.
The Site Updates archive provides a permanent record of new content, library growth, and future developments across Exotic Woods of the World.