Narra
Scientific name: Pterocarpus indicus
Overview
Narra is a highly regarded Southeast Asian hardwood known for its rich golden to reddish-brown coloration and attractive grain patterns. It is the national tree of the Philippines and has long been used in fine furniture, cabinetry, and decorative woodworking.
Valued for both its beauty and workability, Narra is considered one of the premium hardwoods of the region.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Narra, Amboyna
- Scientific Name: Pterocarpus indicus
- Region: Asian Hardwoods (Southeast Asia – Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and surrounding regions)
- Tree Size: 100–130 ft tall, 3–5 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 42 lbs/ft³ (675 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 1,250 lbf
- Color: Golden yellow to reddish brown, often darkening with age
- Grain: Interlocked
- Texture: Medium to coarse
Identification Characteristics
Narra is identified by its warm golden to reddish-brown heartwood, often displaying attractive darker streaking. The grain may be straight or slightly interlocked, and the texture is medium with visible pores.
Sapwood is pale and clearly differentiated from the heartwood.
Key identification traits include:
- Golden to reddish-brown heartwood
- Darker streaking or figuring
- Medium texture
- Open pores visible under magnification
Working Properties
Narra is generally considered easy to work and finishes well.
- Machines cleanly
- Sands smoothly
- Glues reliably
- Accepts finish evenly
- Good dimensional stability
Its balanced density makes it suitable for both furniture and decorative applications.
Safety Note
Dust from Narra may cause mild skin or respiratory irritation in some individuals. Proper dust collection and protective equipment are recommended when cutting or sanding.
Common Uses
Narra is widely used in fine woodworking and interior applications, including:
- High-end furniture
- Cabinetry
- Veneer
- Carving
- Interior paneling
Its rich color and attractive grain make it especially valued for statement furniture pieces.
Sustainability & Notes
Narra has faced harvesting pressure in parts of Southeast Asia, and regulations may apply depending on region and export laws. Responsible sourcing and proper documentation are strongly encouraged.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
African Padauk – A brightly colored hardwood known for its orange-red tones and use in furniture, flooring, and decorative woodworking.
Kosso – A dense African hardwood with similar warm coloration and use in furniture and specialty woodworking.
Teak – A durable tropical hardwood widely used in furniture and boat building, typically more oily and weather-resistant than Narra.
Related Guides
How to Identify Exotic Hardwood by Grain Pattern
Studying grain structure and color variation helps distinguish decorative tropical hardwoods used in furniture and cabinetry.
Density & Hardness Explained (Janka Scale Guide)
Understanding hardness ratings helps explain the durability and working properties of hardwood species.
Finishing Oils vs Polyurethane on Exotic Species
Choosing the right finish helps enhance the natural color and protect hardwood surfaces used in furniture and decorative woodworking.
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
Narra is prized by collectors for its rich coloration and national significance in the Philippines. Boards with deep, uniform tone and minimal sapwood are typically preferred.
Well-seasoned material is especially desirable, as color deepens and stabilizes over time.
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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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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.
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