Tigerwood, correctly Muiracatiara and sometimes sold as Goncalo Alves, is named for what it looks like: a reddish-brown heartwood streaked with dark, irregular banding that no two boards repeat. The grain is irregular, wavy or interlocked, and the texture is fine.
At 1,850 lbf Janka and roughly 930 kg/m³ it is highly durable and resistant to insect attack, but it is difficult to cut and nailing requires predrilling. The striping is strongest when the deck is new and softens as the board weathers, so an oil finish is worth the effort if the figure is why you chose it. Grown in Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela.
Working & finishing
Difficult to cut, nailing requires predrilling.
Durability
Highly durable, resistant to insect attack.
Appearance
Reddish-brown heartwood with brownish-white sapwood. Grain: Irregular and wavy or interlocked Texture: Fine
Applications
Boats, decorative veneer, furniture, joinery, flooring, musical instruments, plywood, railroad ties, turnery.
