Snakewood Guide

Everything you need to know about Snakewood, from its origin
and characteristics to its uses, workability, and care.

Learn About Snakewood

Snakewood is one of the world’s most unique hardwoods, known for its natural pattern that resembles snake skin, high density, and beautiful appearance. It has become a popular choice for woodworkers, craftsmen, and makers of fine handcrafted products.

What Is Snakewood?

Snakewood (Brosimum guianense) is a tropical hardwood native to the rainforests of northern South America, including Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and northern Brazil.

Its common name comes from the distinctive dark markings that resemble the pattern of snake skin. Unlike many commercial hardwoods, Snakewood grows slowly and is naturally found in limited quantities.

No two pieces of Snakewood are exactly alike. Every board has its own color, grain pattern, and natural figure.

Specifications

Characteristic - Details

  • Botanical Name - Brosimum guianense
  • Common Name - Snakewood
  • Wood Type - Tropical hardwood
  • Origin - Northern South America
  • Color - Reddish-brown with dark markings
  • Grain - Usually straight, occasionally irregular
  • Texture - Fine and smooth
  • Natural Luster - Moderate
  • Drying Method - Naturally air-dried
  • Janka Hardness - Approximately 3,800 lbf
  • Density - Extremely dense and heavy

Why Choose Snakewood?

Snakewood is appreciated for both its appearance and performance.

Its natural figure, high density, and ability to achieve a smooth polished finish make it a popular choice for premium woodworking projects. Every piece has its own unique appearance, making each finished project one of a kind.

Applications

Snakewood is suitable for many woodworking and specialty applications, including:

  • Knife handles
  • Guitar components
  • Cue making
  • Pen blanks
  • Turning projects
  • Luxury woodworking
  • Fine furniture details
  • Veneers
  • Inlays
  • Musical instruments
  • Custom handcrafted items

Workability

Although Snakewood is extremely dense, it machines well when proper woodworking techniques are used.

For the best results:

  • Use sharp carbide tools whenever possible.
  • Take light cuts during machining.
  • Pre-drill holes before installing screws.
  • Avoid excessive heat during cutting or sanding.
  • Apply your finish soon after final sanding.

For more detailed recommendations, please visit our Snakewood Care Guide.

Characteristics

Prevention Checklist

Every piece of Snakewood is different.

Variations in grain pattern, figure, color, and texture are natural characteristics of the species. Some pieces may also contain small natural checks, mineral streaks, pin knots, or other naturally occurring features.

To better understand how our material is evaluated, please visit our Snakewood Grading Guide.

Additional Resources

Looking for more information? Explore our helpful guides:

These resources provide additional information to help you select, work with, and care for your Snakewood with confidence.