Siam Rosewood
Scientific name: Dalbergia bariensis
Overview
Siam Rosewood is a rare and highly valued tropical hardwood native to parts of Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. Belonging to the Dalbergia genus, this species is prized for its rich coloration, fine texture, and strong natural luster. Like many premium rosewoods, Siam Rosewood has historically been used in luxury furniture, musical instruments, carving, and decorative woodworking. Its beauty and limited availability have made it especially sought after among collectors and fine woodworkers.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Siam Rosewood
- Scientific Name: Dalbergia bariensis
- Region: Asian Hardwoods
- Tree Size: 50–80 ft tall, 1–3 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 56 lbs/ft³ (900 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 2,250 lbf
- Color: Dark reddish brown to purple brown
- Grain: Straight to interlocked
- Texture: Fine
Identification Characteristics
Siam Rosewood is recognized for its deep reddish-brown coloration and smooth, fine texture. Dark streaking and occasional figure may appear throughout the wood, especially in highly decorative pieces. The wood develops a rich natural luster when polished and often darkens with age.
Key identification traits include:
- Dark reddish-brown coloration
- Fine uniform texture
- Natural oily luster
- Occasional dark streaking and figure
Working Properties
Siam Rosewood generally machines well despite its density. Sharp tools help minimize tearout in interlocked sections, and the wood responds exceptionally well to sanding and finishing.
- Machines cleanly with sharp tools
- Can produce tearout in figured grain
- Polishes to a very smooth finish
- Excellent dimensional stability
Safety Note
Wood dust may cause skin or respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals. Some rosewood species may also trigger allergic reactions during prolonged exposure. Proper dust collection and respiratory protection are recommended.
Common Uses
Siam Rosewood is used in high-end decorative woodworking and specialty applications.
- Luxury furniture
- Musical instruments
- Decorative carving
- Knife handles
- Turned objects
- Decorative veneers
Sustainability & Notes
Like many Dalbergia species, Siam Rosewood has faced significant harvesting pressure and trade restrictions. International trade and export may be regulated under CITES depending on origin and classification. Responsibly sourced material is strongly recommended.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Laos Rosewood – Another premium Southeast Asian rosewood species with similar coloration and rarity.
Indian Rosewood – A widely recognized rosewood species valued for furniture and instrument making.
Burmese Rosewood – A dense decorative hardwood prized for luxury woodworking applications.
Related Guides
Understanding CITES & Protected Species – Explains international trade regulations affecting protected hardwood species.
Why Some Species Become Restricted – Covers how overharvesting and global demand impact exotic hardwood availability.
Preserving Color in Purpleheart & Padauk – Explains how exotic hardwood coloration changes over time and with light exposure.
Bubinga vs. Rosewood
Explore Bubinga vs. Rosewood to compare these premium hardwoods in color, figure, density, workability, and use in furniture and musical instruments.
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
Siam Rosewood is highly prized among collectors because of its rarity, rich coloration, and connection to the historically important rosewood trade. Well-figured boards and highly polished samples are especially desirable for premium collections and decorative display sets.
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.
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Contributions help fund the continued expansion of this archive while promoting sustainable forestry education and the long-term appreciation of the world’s forests.
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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:
• SKIL 5-Inch Random Orbital Sander with Cyclonic Dust Box for smooth surface preparation and finish sanding
https://amzn.to/4uZgf2l
• The Complete Manual of Woodworking for detailed guidance on woodworking design, techniques, and tools
https://amzn.to/4uX3nd5
• 10-Inch 120-Tooth Fine-Finish Woodworking Saw Blade for clean, precise cuts in hardwoods and finish materials
https://amzn.to/4fpeSVU
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