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View optionGoncalo Alves Wood Guide
Wood species guide · Imported specialty hardwood
Goncalo Alves is best understood by how it looks, how it works, and where it should be used. This guide explains the practical buying details before sending you to the right Kingma products.
Scientific nameAstronium spp.
Janka hardness2,170 lbf
Average dried weight57 lb/ft³
Best fitFlooring
Overview
Why choose Goncalo Alves?
Goncalo Alves is a imported specialty hardwood associated with From Mexico southward to Brazil. It is useful when the project calls for flooring, veneers, furniture, cabinetry, carving, turned objects, and other small wood specialty objects such as: pool cues, archery bows, knife handles, etc
For SEO and customer usefulness, this page separates the science from the buying decision: appearance, working behaviour, durability, project fit, and then the right Kingma shopping path.
Scientific nameAstronium spp.
DistributionFrom Mexico southward to Brazil
ShrinkageRadial: 4.2%, Tangential: 7.8%, Volumetric: 11.2%, T/R Ratio: 1.9 More images | Identification
DurabilityGoncalo alves has excellent weathering properties, and is rated as very durable regarding decay resistance.
Goncalo Alves colour, grain, and figure
Expect heartwood is typically a medium reddish brown with irregularly spaced streaks of dark brown to black. Color tends to darken with age.
In practical selection, the grain and texture are best treated this way: grain can be straight, but is usually wavy or interlocked. Fine, uniform texture with good natural luster.
Working notes
In the shop, goncalo alves is generally not too difficult to work, despite its high density. Figured pieces with irregular grain can pose a challenge in planing and machining operations.
Although severe reactions are quite uncommon, goncalo alves has been reported as a sensitizer .
Goncalo Alves should be sold by project fit: colour, workability, durability, and the format the customer actually needs.
Best uses for Goncalo Alves
Best projects
Flooring, veneers, furniture, cabinetry, carving, turned objects, and other small wood specialty objects such as: pool cues, archery bows, knife handles, etc
Use caution
Avoid specifying it by name alone; confirm board size, moisture, colour, figure, and the project environment before buying.
Finish strategy
Test finishes on offcuts first, especially when colour, blotching, outdoor exposure, or grain filling matters.
Buying note
Choose boards, slabs, plywood, blanks, or posts based on the project rather than species name alone.
Shop path
Buying Goncalo Alves from Kingma
Start with the direct species match when Kingma sells it. If stock rotates, use the closest live collection or a clearly explained alternative.
Live edge slabs
Use when the customer cares more about slab format and visual impact than this exact species.
View optionSimilar woods and alternatives
If Kingma does not have an exact match online, use the buying links below as practical alternatives only when the colour, grain, hardness, or project environment makes sense.
Goncalo Alves FAQ
What is Goncalo Alves best used for?
Goncalo Alves is best considered for flooring, veneers, furniture, cabinetry, carving, turned objects, and other small wood specialty objects such as: pool cues, archery bows, knife handles, etc. Match it to the exact board format, colour, hardness, and finish plan before buying.
Is Goncalo Alves beginner friendly?
It depends on density, grain direction, and tooling. Test cuts on offcuts first, and choose Maple, Cherry, Walnut, or Poplar when easier machining is the priority.
Does Kingma sell Goncalo Alves?
Use the buying section on this page. If an exact product is not listed, the linked alternatives are included only when they make practical sense for colour, grain, or project use.