Leopardwood
Scientific Name:
Flindersia maculosa
Other Names and Species:
Brazilian Ironwood
Leopard Tree
Snakewood
Origin:
Australia
Appearance:
The sapwood of leopardwood is brownish-red while the heartwood is more chocolate-brown in color. The species has a tight grain.
Properties:
Leopardwood has a high resistance to decay and is reported to have no odor. This species requires some time to dry properly to prevent slight distortion, yet is stable once aged.
Janka Hardness: 840
As a flooring option, leopardwood is on the lower end of the Janka hardness rating table. It is very close in hardness to southern yellow pine (870), is just under fifty-eight percent as hard as hard maple, and is only about forty-six percent as hard as hickory or pecan.
Workability:
Leopardwood has low resistance to cutting tools. Glue holds somewhat well , but leopardwood flooring is known to be respond very easily to nails. This species sands well and stains and polishes rather easily.
Principal Uses:
Due to its beautifully figured nature, leopardwood’s uses include flooring, flooring accents, cabinetry, dining room furniture, interior trim, and stairworks.