Working with Angelim Pedra in Custom Epoxy Builds
Angelim pedra encompasses several species from Latin America within the Hymenolobium genus, including Hymenolobium elatum, Hymenolobium excelsum, Hymenolobium petraeum, and related species (Hymenolobium p.p.). Documented in the technical sheets published by CIRAD Tropix, this South American timber brings substantial density and a distinct grain to custom woodworking. When preparing Angelim pedra for hybrid epoxy river tables, builders must consider its physical density, movement rates, and distinctive surface characteristics.
| Property | CIRAD Tropix value | What it means / US units |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical name(s) | Hymenolobium elatum, Hymenolobium excelsum, Hymenolobium petraeum, Hymenolobium p.p. | |
| Colour / texture / grain | Orange yellow; texture coarse; grain interlocked; interlocked grain slight | |
| Specific gravity (12% MC) | 0.80 | about 49.9 lb/ft³; a 2-inch-thick slab weighs about 8.3 lb per sq ft |
| Monnin hardness (12% MC) | 6.3 | French hardness scale; higher = harder (not a Janka value) |
| Total tangential shrinkage | 8.3 % | green to oven-dry |
| Total radial shrinkage | 4.9 % | green to oven-dry |
| Ratio St/Sr | 1.7 | closer to 1 = less cupping tendency |
| Coefficient of volumetric shrinkage | 0.67 % per % MC | volume change per 1% change in moisture content |
| Fibre saturation point | 25 % | |
| Thermal conductivity | 0.26 W/(m·K) | |
| Crushing strength (12% MC) | 67 MPa | about 9,720 psi |
| Static bending strength (12% MC) | 119 MPa | about 17,260 psi |
| Modulus of elasticity (12% MC) | 20,870 MPa | about 3,027,000 psi |
| Decay (fungi) resistance | Durability class 3 – moderately durable | |
| Termite resistance | Class S – susceptible | |
| Dry-wood borer resistance | Class S – susceptible (risk in all the wood) | |
| Heartwood treatability | Class 2 – moderately permeable | |
| Use class from natural durability | Class 2 – inside or under cover (dampness possible) | |
| Drying | rate rapid to normal; distortion: slight risk; checking: slight risk; collapse: no known specific risk; casehardening: no known specific risk | |
| Suggested kiln program temperatures | 53–65 °C | about 127–149 °F |
| Machining | blunting normal; saw teeth: ordinary or alloy steel; cutting tools: ordinary | |
| Nailing and screwing | Good but pre-boring necessary | |
| CITES status | This species is not listed in the CITES Appendices (Washington Convention 2025). |
Values from the CIRAD Tropix technical sheet (average values for mature wood, 12% moisture content where noted). US-unit conversions are calculated by BigEpoxy (1 MPa = 145.04 psi; density = specific gravity × 62.43 lb/ft³).
What does Angelim pedra look like in a finished tabletop?
Freshly cut Angelim pedra displays an orange-yellow reference tone. Over time and upon environmental exposure, the heartwood shifts from yellow-brown to pinkish-brown. The wood features a coarse texture with slightly interlocked grain, while the sapwood measures between 3 to 5 cm thick and is not clearly demarcated from the heartwood. A defining visual trait of the species is the presence of fairly important waxen patches that occur more or less frequently across the boards. According to the CIRAD Tropix sheet, these characteristic patches remain visible even after machining, creating localized figure variations across live edges and flat faces.
How heavy and hard is Angelim pedra wood?
Angelim pedra is a dense hardwood with an average specific gravity of 0.80 at 12% moisture content. In working terms, this equals roughly 49.9 lb/ft³, meaning a 2-inch-thick slab weighs approximately 8.3 lb per square foot. Builders designing custom epoxy dining tables or desks must ensure steel bases and support aprons are sized for significant structural dead weight.
Regarding surface firmness, the wood rates at 6.3 on the Monnin hardness scale at 12% moisture content. The Monnin test is a French timber standard where higher values represent harder wood (it is not a Janka measurement). A Monnin score of 6.3 indicates robust resistance to indentation, making it well-suited for high-wear surfaces such as dining tables, industrial or heavy flooring, and indoor staircases.
How dimensionally stable is Angelim pedra next to an epoxy river?
When cured epoxy is cast against natural lumber, differential movement can place stress on the bond line. CIRAD data lists Angelim pedra with a total tangential shrinkage of 8.3% and a total radial shrinkage of 4.9%, giving a tangential-to-radial shrinkage ratio of 1.7. Its coefficient of volumetric shrinkage is 0.67% per 1% change in moisture content, with a fiber saturation point of 25%.
Because the ratio of 1.7 is moderately low, the timber shows a relatively balanced relationship between radial and tangential dimensional change, which limits severe cupping. However, because the volumetric shrinkage rate is 0.67% per percentage point of moisture change, slabs must be thoroughly acclimated to room equilibrium moisture before pouring epoxy to minimize joint strain.
What drying risks should builders manage before casting?
The drying rate for Angelim pedra ranges from rapid to normal. When seasoned properly, it poses only a slight risk of distortion and a slight risk of checking, with no known specific risk of casehardening or cellular collapse. Nonetheless, CIRAD notes that adopting a slower drying speed helps avoid drying defects. Kiln schedules typically operate within a temperature band of 53 to 65 °C (about 127 to 149 °F). Rushing the moisture extraction phase increases the hazard of end splits and surface checking.
How does Angelim pedra machine, cut, and sand?
Despite its density, Angelim pedra produces only a normal blunting effect on tools. Woodworkers can successfully mill it using ordinary or alloy steel saw teeth and standard cutting tools. Peeling behavior is rated as bad, though it slices well for sliced veneer. Builders should anticipate possible difficulties during machining if the board contains numerous waxen patches. In addition, the CIRAD technical sheet notes that careful sanding must be carried out to obtain a good final surface finish.
How does Angelim pedra bond with adhesives and fasteners?
Mechanical fastening in Angelim pedra requires care: while holding power is good, pre-boring is strictly necessary because the wood tends to develop end checks when nailed. For adhesive assembly and resin work, the CIRAD data explicitly notes that due to its high specific gravity, gluing must be especially performed in compliance with the relevant code of practice. Mating faces must be clean, flat, and securely clamped according to the resin or adhesive manufacturer’s specifications.
What is the durability and regulatory status of Angelim pedra?
The heartwood of Angelim pedra is classified under Durability Class 3 (moderately durable) against wood-decay fungi, though resistance varies from moderate to good depending on the specific botanical species within the group. It is classed as Class S (susceptible) to both termites and dry-wood borers, with the risk of borer infestation present throughout the wood. Heartwood treatability is Class 2 (moderately permeable), placing the species naturally in Use Class 2 (interior or under cover where dampness is possible). Common end uses include current furniture or furniture components, interior and exterior joinery, paneling, moulding, and heavy carpentry. Angelim pedra is not listed in the CITES Appendices (Washington Convention 2025).
Sources
Published October 30, 2026. Sources are linked in the text.
Header image: original graphic by BigEpoxy.com.
Staff note: Because CIRAD Tropix notes that Angelim pedra is susceptible to dry-wood borers throughout the wood and falls into natural durability Class 2, builders should reserve this timber for interior indoor tabletops rather than permanent outdoor exposures. (Source: CIRAD Tropix 7 technical sheet: Angelim pedra.)