Myroxylon balsamum
Appearance
Color: Dark reddish brown.
Grain: Striped figuring in quartersawn selections; texture is even and very fine.
Variations Within Species And Grades: Moderate color variation.
Properties
Hardness/Janka: 2200; 71% harder than Northern red oak.
Dimensional Stability: Above average (change coefficient .00238; 36% more stable than red oak).
Durability: Excellent.
Workability
Sawing/Machining: Moderately difficult due to hardness; carbine tooling recommended.
Sanding: Sands satisfactorily.
Nailing: Good holding ability.
Finishing: No known problems.
Comments: Some respiratory allergic potential.
Cost
(relative to plainsawn select red oak)
Multiplier: 1.55
Availability
Moderately available.
Source: National Wood Flooring Association