South American Hardwood

Snakewood

Wood description

Snakewood is so called for its characteristic snakeskin patterns. Wood is typically a reddish brown, with contrasting darker brown or black patches. Color tends to darken and homogenize with age and exposure. The grain is straight, with a fine even texture and Snakwood has a high natural luster.

Name                                                  : Snakewood (letterhout)

Scientific name                              : Piratinere guianensis

Family                                                 : Anacardiacease

Origin                                                  : Suriname, Guyana, French Guiana, Venezuela

Other names                                    : Letterhout, Slangenhout, Amourette

Natural Durability                          : Class 1 with good to very good resistance to termites

Density (12%)                                  : 1250 kg/m³

Bending strength (12%)               : 210 N/mm²

Shrinkage (%)                                  : rad. 4,7%, tang. 6,0%

Drying                                                 : slow; easy to moderately difficult

Working                                             : rather difficult; pre-boring necessary

Finishing                                            : good

Uses                                                     : Inlay, veneer, violin bows, tool handles, and other small                                                                         turned or specialty objects.