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Monkeypod

Samanea saman

$$ · ModerateHardwoodImported (Central America/Pacific)
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Hardness (Janka)
1780 lbf
Workability
Good
Seasonal movement?
Small
Type
Hardwood

Hardness

Hard and durable; stands up to wear and traffic.

Pine
Cherry
Red Oak
Hard Maple
Hickory

Overview

A rich brown tropical hardwood popular for large single-slab tables and bowls thanks to its wide trunk diameter.

Commonly built

Appearance

Dark brown heartwood with a lighter, often contrasting sapwood band; frequently live-edge slabbed.

Recommended uses

Slab tablesTurned bowls

Uses to avoid

Outdoor use

Similar species

Comparable on hardness, type, and workability, useful when this species isn't available.

Working notes

Machines and finishes easily. Wide boards and large trunks make it a favorite for single-slab tabletops.

Common questions

How hard is Monkeypod?

Monkeypod has a Janka hardness of 1780 lbf, a measure of how well it resists denting and wear.

Is Monkeypod suitable for outdoor use?

Monkeypod is best used indoors; it is not naturally suited to sustained outdoor or wet conditions.

How easy is Monkeypod to work with?

Monkeypod has Good workability for cutting, shaping, and joinery.

Community photos

Real photos from woodworkers who've used monkeypod, reviewed before they appear here.

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Wood data varies by source and sample. How we source and review our data.