Itauba
[I-ta-u-ba]; Mezilaurus spp. (M. itauba, M. lindaviana); itaúba, louro itaúba (BR); taoub jaune (FG); kaneelhout (SME)
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Origin |
Northern to Central South America |
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Raw density |
1070 kg/m³ |
|
Durability class |
1 |
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Compressive strength u12-15 |
60-75 N/mm² |
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Flexural strength u12-15 |
80-130 N/mm² |
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Modulus of elasticity (bending) u12-15 |
12 300-15 000 N/mm² |
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Modulus of elasticity (bending) u12-15 |
12 300-15 000 N/mm² |
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Hardness (JANKA) ⊥, converted |
5.0-7.5 kN |
|
Hardness (BRINELL) ⊥ to fiber u12-15 |
23-31 N/mm² |
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Tangential shrinkage |
4,3 % |
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Wood color |
yellow-brown to dark brown |
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Wood structure |
Fine-pored and dense |
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Use |
Terrace wood |
Itaúba, from the genus Mezilaurus and the Lauraceae family, is characterized by excellent natural durability and strength values. In contrast to other laurazeen woods, the focus here is less on the aroma. High density, polyterpenes and flavonoids give the wood its robust properties. The increased demand, especially in gardening and landscaping, emphasizes Itaúba’s importance in the timber industry, despite its limited distribution area. Available with certification, this type of wood is increasingly gaining global attention.
A medium-brown to yellowish-brown wood with some striking color inlays, it stands out with its greasy teak-like surface. When wet, processing is uncomplicated, whereas in dry wood the high silica content can impair the service life of tool cutting edges. Planed surfaces are velvety smooth, but require sharp tools. Good nail holding capacity requires pre-drilled holes due to the high hardness. Drying requires care, as shrinkage stresses tend to cause deformation and cracking.
Due to its positive technical properties, wood is becoming increasingly popular in decking construction. In addition to its use as a substructure, it is also used as a decking board, whereby dark, patchy discolorations occasionally occur in the visible area as a result of dark core material being stored in the living tree. However, these turn grey with weathering and blend in with the rest of the wood color.
Sources: Holz-ABC GD Wood
