Burmese Rosewood
Scientific name: Dalbergia oliveri
Overview
Burmese Rosewood is a dense, high-value hardwood from Southeast Asia, known for its rich color variation, fine texture, and excellent durability. It belongs to the Dalbergia genus and is closely related to other premium rosewoods such as Indian and Brazilian Rosewood.
This species is widely used in fine furniture, decorative carvings, and specialty woodworking applications. It is particularly valued for its ability to develop a deep, lustrous finish and for its striking grain patterns, which can range from subtle to highly decorative.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Burmese Rosewood
- Scientific Name: Dalbergia oliveri
- Region: Asian Hardwoods
- Tree Size: 60–100 ft tall, 2–4 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 50–60 lbs/ft³
- Janka Hardness: ~2,100–2,500 lbf
- Color: Light golden brown to deep reddish-brown with darker streaks
- Grain: Straight to interlocked
- Texture: Fine to medium
Identification Characteristics
Burmese Rosewood is known for its wide color range, often displaying golden brown, reddish tones, and darker streaks within the same board. Compared to Indian Rosewood, it can appear more varied and sometimes lighter, with a slightly more refined texture.
Key identification traits include:
- Golden to reddish-brown color range
- Dark streaking or striping
- Fine to medium texture
- Natural luster
- More variation within a single board
Working Properties
Burmese Rosewood is dense but generally workable with proper tools and preparation.
- Machines well with sharp tools
- Interlocked grain may cause tearout
- Natural oils may affect gluing
- Turns and finishes extremely well
- Polishes to a high luster
- Good dimensional stability
Safety Note
Wood dust may cause irritation or allergic reactions. Use proper protection when working.
Common Uses
Burmese Rosewood is used in high-end woodworking and decorative applications.
- Fine furniture
- Carvings Veneer
- Turned objects
- Musical instruments
- Decorative panels
Sustainability & Notes
Burmese Rosewood species are regulated under CITES Appendix II. Availability is restricted in some regions, and responsible sourcing is important.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Indian Rosewood – Generally darker and more uniform, while Burmese Rosewood often shows more variation and lighter tones.
Brazilian Rosewood – Typically exhibits more dramatic figure and contrast, though Burmese Rosewood can offer similar aesthetic appeal in some pieces.
Sheesham – Less dense and more rustic in appearance, while Burmese Rosewood is finer textured and more refined.
Related Guides
Wood Strength and Hardness Guide
Explains how Burmese Rosewood compares to other rosewoods in durability and density.
Wood Density & Hardness Explained (Janka Scale)
Provides context for its hardness and long-term performance.
Bocote vs. Ziricote – Compare two of Mexico’s most striking hardwoods, examining differences in color, grain patterns, workability, durability, stability, and the woodworking projects each species is best suited for.
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
Burmese Rosewood is a highly desirable addition to any wood collection, representing a premium Dalbergia species with excellent visual variation and workability. It serves as an important bridge between more uniform and highly figured rosewoods.
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:
• DEWALT DPG82 Concealer Anti-Fog Dual Mold Safety Goggles for eye protection during cutting, sanding, and machining
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• DEWALT 12-Inch Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw for accurate crosscuts, bevels, and angled cuts
https://amzn.to/4tFPVK8
• XFasten Double Sided Woodworking Tape 1 Inch x 108 Feet (3-Pack) for securing workpieces during cutting, routing, and sanding
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