Carnival in Rio: our Brazilian wood in the spotlight

When you say Brazil, you automatically think of palm tree beaches, football, carnival parties and ... the tropical rainforest. But there are several prejudices about the extraction of tropical hardwood in the Brazilian rainforest. For example, illegal logging has never been more prevalent than under the rule of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. Not to mention the burning down of forests, the soil pollution, the chasing away of indigenous tribes and animals or the water pollution.

Of course, there is another way. Noble Timber and its associates try to ensure that the logging process is as sustainable as possible. For example, we immediately plant a new tree for every one that we cut down and we thoroughly check that all local regulations are being followed. We also keep the processing and transport process as ecological as possible, with respect for the environment. We advise you not to buy your Brazilian hardwood just anywhere. Look for it at a specialist and reduce your ecological footprint.

Noble Timber currently offers four types of wood from Brazil. However, it should be mentioned that the supply from South America and more specifically from Brazil is at a low ebb due to the current situation around Covid-19. This may result in longer waiting times. 

• Ipe:

Ipe is the highest quality wood species on the market. Logically, it is also in durability class 1. It is a very stable wood species that is not affected by external conditions. Highly recommended for use as decking.
 

• Cumaru:

Cumaru is less well-known than Ipe, but is not inferior to its better-known brother. This wood species is also in durability class 1 and is very stable. It is, however, difficult to process. Planing, on the other hand, is no problem. An additional advantage is that Cumaru, when freshly cut, gives off a pleasant vanilla scent. Noble Timber currently only offers this as a decking board.
 

• Rosewood:

Rosewood is a very heavy yet stable wood species. It is characterised by its dark coloured stripes and can have very irregular colours. Rosewood gives off a pleasant rose scent, which is why it gets its name. Many musical instruments are also made of rosewood. At Noble Timber, however, they are only available as table tops or solid glued panels. 

• Tatajuba:

Tatajuba wood is a very recognisable type of wood, as it turns golden yellow to brown. But what should you remember when you choose Tatajuba wood? Well, Tatajuba is a slow dryer. It is very resistant to contact with fresh and salt water and can therefore be used perfectly outside. It is in durability class 1-2 and is therefore quite stable. It is easy to work with, but it should always be pre-drilled. Normally, our Tatajuba wood is available as an underlying beam.