Louro Preto
Scientific name: Cordia glabrata
Overview
Louro Preto is a South American hardwood known for its dark brown coloration, moderate density, and good workability. It is commonly used in furniture and interior applications where a darker-toned hardwood is desired without the extreme hardness of heavier tropical species.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Louro Preto
- Scientific Name: Cordia glabrata
- Region: South America Hardwoods
- Tree Size: 50–100 ft tall, 2–3 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: ~40–50 lbs/ft³
- Janka Hardness: ~1,200–1,600 lbf
- Color: Medium to dark brown, sometimes with gray or olive tones
- Grain: Straight to slightly interlocked
- Texture: Medium
Identification Characteristics
Louro Preto typically displays a uniform brown color that can range from medium brown to darker chocolate tones. The grain is usually straight, though slight interlocking may occur. It has a medium texture and a subtle natural luster, giving it a clean and consistent appearance..
Key identification traits include:
- Medium to dark brown coloration
- Generally straight grain
- Uniform appearance
- Moderate natural luster
Working Properties
Louro Preto is considered relatively easy to work compared to denser tropical hardwoods. It machines cleanly, glues well, and finishes smoothly. Its moderate hardness makes it suitable for both hand and machine tools.
- Easy to machine and shape
- Good gluing and finishing properties
- Stable in service
- Less tool wear than dense hardwoods
Safety Note
No major health effects are widely reported, though standard dust precautions should always be followed.
Common Uses
Louro Preto is commonly used in interior woodworking and furniture applications.
- Furniture
- Cabinetry
- Interior trim
- Veneer
- Turned objects
Sustainability & Notes
Availability varies depending on region and species within the Cordia genus. It is not currently listed under CITES but should be sourced responsibly.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Imbuia (Ocotea porosa)
Imbuia is typically more figured and aromatic, while Louro Preto is more uniform.
Cedro (Cedrela spp.)
Cedro is lighter in color and softer, making Louro Preto a darker and slightly harder alternative.
Peroba Rosa (Aspidosperma spp.)
Peroba Rosa is generally more reddish and harder, while Louro Preto is more subdued in tone.
Related Guides
Wood Strength and Hardness (Janka Scale) Explained
Louro Preto falls into a moderate hardness range, making it easier to work than many dense tropical hardwoods while still offering durability.
How to Identify Wood by Grain Pattern
This species is identified by its relatively uniform grain and consistent brown coloration rather than dramatic figure.
Working with Hardwood: Machining and Finishing Tips
Louro Preto demonstrates how medium-density hardwoods balance ease of machining with a smooth finishing surface.
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
Louro Preto is a useful reference species for collectors looking to represent moderately dense South American hardwoods with darker coloration. It contrasts well with both lighter and heavier species in a collection.
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.