Jackfruit
Scientific name: Artocarpus heterophyllus
Overview
Jackfruit wood is a durable and visually distinctive hardwood native to South and Southeast Asia. Known for its warm golden-yellow color that deepens over time, it has been widely used in traditional woodworking, particularly in India, Sri Lanka, and surrounding regions.
It is valued for its balance of strength, stability, and workability, making it suitable for both structural and decorative applications.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Jackfruit
- Scientific Name: Artocarpus heterophyllus
- Region: Asian Hardwoods
- Tree Size: 30–70 ft tall, 1–3 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 35–40 lbs/ft³
- Janka Hardness: ~950 lbf
- Color: Golden yellow to orange-brown (darkens with age)
- Grain: Straight to slightly interlocked
- Texture: Medium
Identification Characteristics
Jackfruit wood is easily recognized by its golden-yellow to orange-brown coloration, which darkens with exposure and age. The grain is typically straight, though slight interlocking may occur. The texture is medium, and the overall appearance is uniform with subtle natural variation.
Key identification traits include:
- Golden yellow to orange color
- Darkens with age
- Straight to slightly interlocked grain
- Medium texture
- Warm, uniform appearance
Working Properties
Jackfruit is considered easy to work and performs well across most woodworking processes.
- Machines easily with minimal resistance
- Turns and carves well
- Glues and finishes without difficulty
- Good dimensional stability
- Moderate resistance to wear
Safety Note
No significant toxicity is commonly reported, though standard dust precautions should always be followed when working with wood.
Common Uses
Jackfruit wood is widely used in both traditional and modern woodworking applications.
- Furniture
- Cabinetry
- Carvings
- Musical instruments
- Doors and panels
- Interior construction
Sustainability & Notes
Jackfruit is commonly grown for its fruit, making the wood a secondary and sustainable resource. It is widely available in its native regions and is not currently considered threatened.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Teak – More oily and weather-resistant, while Jackfruit is lighter and more suited for interior applications.
Camphor – Similar region but differs in aroma and tends to have more variation in grain and color.
Chinese Elm – More neutral in tone with interlocked grain, while Jackfruit stands out for its warm color and more uniform structure.
Related Guides
Finishing Oils vs Polyurethane on Exotic Species
Important for preserving and enhancing Jackfruit’s natural color.
Color Changes in Tropical Hardwoods Over Time
Highly relevant as Jackfruit darkens with age.
Wood Density & Hardness Explained (Janka Scale Guide)
Provides context for its moderate hardness and use cases.
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
Jackfruit is an essential addition to a well-rounded wood collection due to its unique coloration and cultural significance. Its golden tone sets it apart from more common brown hardwoods, making it particularly valuable for visual diversity within a collection.
Video Overview
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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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:
• 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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