Tatajuba
Scientific name: Bagassa guianensis
Overview
Tatajuba is a durable South American hardwood known for its bright golden-yellow color and excellent resistance to decay. Native to Central and South America, it is commonly used in exterior and heavy-duty applications where weather resistance and longevity are required.
Over time, Tatajuba’s vivid yellow tones mellow into a warm golden-brown, making it both visually distinctive and practical for outdoor use.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Tatajuba
- Scientific Name: Bagassa guianensis
- Region: South American Hardwoods (Northern South America – Brazil, Guyana, Suriname)
- Tree Size: 80–120 ft tall, 2–4 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 50 lbs/ft³ (800 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 1,560 lbf
- Color: Golden yellow to yellowish brown, often darkening with age
- Grain: Straight to slightly interlocked
- Texture: Medium
Identification Characteristics
Tatajuba is identified by its bright yellow heartwood when freshly cut, which gradually darkens to a golden or light brown tone with exposure. The grain is generally straight but may show interlock, and the texture is medium and even.
Sapwood is pale and clearly distinguished from the heartwood.
Key identification traits include:
- Bright yellow to golden-brown heartwood
- Open pore structure
- Medium texture
- High density and weight
Working Properties
Tatajuba works moderately well with both hand and machine tools, though its density requires attention.
- Requires sharp tooling
- Interlocked grain may cause tear-out
- Sands evenly
- Glues reliably
- Good dimensional stability
Its natural durability makes it especially suitable for exterior applications.
Safety Note
Dust from Tatajuba may cause skin or respiratory irritation in some individuals. Proper dust collection, eye protection, and respiratory protection are recommended during machining and sanding.
Common Uses
Tatajuba is commonly used in exterior and heavy-duty applications, including:
- Exterior decking
- Outdoor furniture
- Bridges and boardwalks
- Heavy-duty construction
- Marine and waterfront structures
Its resistance to decay makes it a frequent alternative to other durable tropical hardwoods.
Sustainability & Notes
Tatajuba is not currently listed under CITES restrictions and remains commercially available. However, responsible sourcing is encouraged due to regional harvesting concerns.
Buyers should seek suppliers that provide documentation of legal harvesting and sustainable forestry practices.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Garapa – A yellow-toned South American hardwood commonly used in decking and outdoor construction, generally lighter in color than Tatajuba.
Ipe – A very dense tropical hardwood widely used for exterior applications, typically darker and harder than Tatajuba.
Cumaru – Another extremely durable hardwood used in decking and flooring, known for its strength and rich brown coloration.
Related Guides
How to Identify Exotic Hardwood by Grain Pattern
Studying grain texture and color variation helps distinguish durable tropical hardwoods used in exterior applications.
Density & Hardness Explained (Janka Scale Guide)
Understanding hardness ratings helps explain the durability and wear resistance of hardwood species.
Machining Dense Tropical Hardwoods
Dense tropical hardwoods require sharp tools and careful machining techniques to achieve clean cuts and smooth finishes.
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
Tatajuba is less commonly collected for fine woodworking due to its coarse applications, but it is appreciated for its color and durability. Straight-grained boards with even coloration are preferred for visible exterior work.
Collectors often note that well-seasoned Tatajuba performs more predictably than freshly milled material. Proper storage helps prevent surface checking and discoloration.
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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