Tachi
Scientific name: Tachigali vulgaris
Overview
Tachi is a durable South American hardwood native to the Amazon Basin and surrounding tropical forests. The species is found primarily in Brazil, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and neighboring regions, where it serves as an important commercial timber. Tachi is valued for its strength, durability, and utility in heavy construction, industrial applications, and exterior projects.
The wood is typically medium to dark brown with a relatively plain appearance, but its excellent structural properties and resistance to wear have made it a reliable choice for demanding applications throughout tropical South America.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Tachi
- Scientific Name: Tachigali vulgaris
- Region: South American Hardwoods
- Tree Size: 80–130 ft tall, 2–4 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 50–60 lbs/ft³
- Janka Hardness: Approximately 1,700–2,000 lbf
- Color: Yellowish brown to medium brown
- Grain: Straight to slightly interlocked
- Texture: Medium to coarse
Identification Characteristics
Tachi generally displays a uniform brown appearance with moderate color variation. While it lacks the dramatic figure of some exotic hardwoods, it is easily recognized by its density, durability, and strong structural characteristics.
Key identification traits include:
- Yellowish brown to medium brown heartwood
- Moderate to high density Straight to slightly interlocked grain
- Medium to coarse texture
- Durable and wear resistant
- Often available in large structural dimensions
Working Properties
Tachi machines reasonably well for a hardwood of its density, though interlocked grain can occasionally create tear-out during planing operations.
- Good strength and durability
- Machines well with sharp tooling
- Can produce tear-out in interlocked areas
- Accepts finishes satisfactorily
- Good screw and nail holding properties
- Suitable for heavy-duty applications
Safety Note
No significant toxicity has been widely reported for Tachi, though standard dust collection and respiratory protection are recommended when working with any hardwood species.
Common Uses
Tachi is widely used where strength and durability are important.
- Heavy construction
- Structural timbers
- Bridges
- Exterior joinery
- Industrial flooring
- Utility poles
- Decking
- Marine applications
- Railroad ties
- General outdoor construction
Sustainability & Notes
Tachi is harvested throughout portions of tropical South America and remains an important regional commercial timber. Sustainable forest management practices are increasingly important as demand for durable tropical hardwoods continues worldwide.
The species is often valued more for its engineering performance and utility than for decorative appearance, making it a practical choice for structural and industrial applications.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Tachi Preto – A closely related species that generally exhibits greater density and darker coloration.
Greenheart – Another South American hardwood known for exceptional durability and long-term performance in demanding environments.
Nato – A heavy-duty tropical hardwood valued for strength, durability, and structural applications.
Related Guides
Best Woods for Outdoor Use – Explore hardwood species known for durability and weather resistance in decking, exterior construction, and demanding outdoor environments.
Understanding Wood Strength: What Makes Wood Strong? – Learn how density, grain structure, and cellular composition contribute to the strength and performance of hardwoods such as Tachi.
Preventing Tear-Out in Interlocked Grain – Discover techniques for machining interlocked-grain woods and producing cleaner surfaces during woodworking operations.
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
Tachi is not typically collected for decorative figure or rarity, but it is an important representative of South America’s structural hardwoods. Collectors focused on utility timbers, engineering woods, or Amazonian species often include Tachi because of its commercial significance and impressive strength-to-cost ratio.
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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.
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.
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