Laos Rosewood
Scientific name: Dalbergia cochinchinensis
Overview
Laos Rosewood is a dense and highly prized Southeast Asian hardwood known for its rich reddish-brown coloration, fine texture, and strong natural luster. Native to parts of Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam, it has long been valued for high-end furniture, decorative work, and specialty applications where appearance and durability are both important.
As a member of the Dalbergia genus, Laos Rosewood is closely associated with other premium rosewoods, but it stands out for its deep color, heavy weight, and increasingly limited availability. Due to overharvesting and trade restrictions, it is now considered one of the more tightly controlled hardwoods in international markets.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Laos Rosewood
- Scientific Name: Dalbergia cochinchinensis
- Region: Asian Hardwoods (Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam)
- Tree Size: 50–100 ft tall, 2–4 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 56 lbs/ft³ (900 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 2,440 lbf
- Color: Reddish brown to dark brown with darker streaks
- Grain: Straight to interlocked
- Texture: Fine to medium
Identification Characteristics
Laos Rosewood is identified by its dense structure, rich reddish-brown heartwood, and darker streaking that may appear nearly black in some boards. The wood often develops a deeper and more uniform tone with age while retaining subtle contrast. Grain is usually straight but can be interlocked, and the surface has a naturally smooth, lustrous appearance.
Key identification traits include:
- Deep reddish-brown heartwood
- Darker streaks or striping in many boards
- Straight to interlocked grain
- Fine to medium texture
- High natural luster and heavy weight
Working Properties
Laos Rosewood is dense and can be moderately difficult to work, particularly when grain is interlocked.
- Difficult to machine due to density
- Tearout can occur in interlocked grain areas
- Blunts cutting tools at a moderate rate
- Pre-drilling required for screws and fasteners
- Gluing can be difficult due to natural oils
- Turns and carves well with sharp tools
- Finishes exceptionally well with a high natural polish
Safety Note
Dust may cause irritation in some individuals. As with many rosewoods in the Dalbergia genus, repeated exposure may increase the risk of sensitization. Proper dust collection and personal protective equipment are recommended.
Common Uses
Laos Rosewood is commonly used in premium applications where beauty, density, and durability are essential.
- Fine furniture
- High-end cabinetry
- Musical instruments
- Decorative veneers
- Turned objects and carvings
Sustainability & Notes
Laos Rosewood is heavily regulated due to overharvesting and strong international demand. It is listed under CITES controls, and legal sourcing is essential. Commercial material is increasingly limited, with much of what remains in circulation coming from reclaimed stock, older inventories, or tightly documented legal sources.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Brazilian Rosewood – Often shows more dramatic contrast and figure, but both are premium rosewoods with restricted availability.
Indian Rosewood – Typically more common and somewhat lighter in tone than Laos Rosewood.
Burmese Rosewood – Closely related in appearance, though often a bit lighter and less uniformly dark.
Related Guides
How to Identify Exotic Hardwood by Grain Pattern
Helps distinguish Laos Rosewood from other rosewoods and similarly colored hardwoods.
Wood Density & Hardness Explained (Janka Scale)
Provides context for Laos Rosewood’s high density and durability compared to other species.
Understanding CITES & Protected Species
Important for recognizing trade restrictions and legal considerations when sourcing Laos Rosewood.
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
Laos Rosewood is a highly desirable collector species due to its beauty, density, and restricted trade status. Clear, well-figured pieces are increasingly difficult to find, especially in larger sizes. For collectors focused on rosewoods, it serves as an important comparison species alongside Brazilian Rosewood, Indian Rosewood, and Burmese Rosewood.
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Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
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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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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.
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