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Leopardwood
Wood Flooring Species
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 respond very easily to nails. This species sands well and stains and polishes rather easily.
Principal Uses:
Due to its beautifully figured nature, the uses of leopardwood uses include not just flooring but also flooring accents, cabinetry, dining room furniture, interior trim, and stairworks.
