 Bloodwood (Brosimum rubescens)
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Common Name(s): Bloodwood, Satine Scientific Name: Brosimum rubescens, Brosimum paraense Distribution: Tropical South America Tree Size: 80-150 ft (25-45 m) tall, 4-7 ft (120-210 m) trunk diameter Average Dried Weight: 75 lbs/ft3 (1,195 kg/m3) Hardness: 3,635 lbf (16,170 N)* *Estimated hardness based on specific gravity Bending Strength: 21,600 lbf/in2 (148,900 kPa) Elasticity: 2,360,000 lbf/in2 (16,300 MPa) Shrinkage: Radial: 4.6%, Tangential: 7.3%, Volumetric: 11%, T/R Ratio: 1.6 |
Color/Appearance: A bright, vivid red. Color can darken to a darker brownish red over time with exposure to light and air. Applying a thick protective finish, and keeping the wood out of direct sunlight can help minimize this color shift.
Grain/Pore: Has a fine texture with small pores. Grain is usually straight or slightly wavy.
Durability: Reported to be very durable, and resistant to most insect attack as well.
Workability: Bloodwood is extremely dense, and has a pronounced blunting effect on cutters; beyond that, it turns, finishes and glues well. The wood tends to be brittle and can splinter easily while being worked.
Smell: Has a mild scent when being worked.
Safety: The wood’s dust has been reported as occasionally causing effects such as thirst and salivation, as well as nausea. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicity and Wood Dust Safety for more information.
Price Range: Though it is considered an exotic tropical hardwood, Bloodwood’s price is fairly moderate. It should be cheaper than most rosewoods, but cost slightly more than other colorful imports like Padauk or Purpleheart.
Comments: It’s no wonder that Bloodwood has grown so popular as an imported wood species, as it is exceptionally hard, durable, strong, and beautiful. It is used for both trim and accents, as well as larger structural elements in furniture, etc.
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Bloodwood (sanded) |
 Bloodwood (sealed) |
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