Botanically, Louro Faia (Roupala montana) belongs to the Protaceae. Found in the Amazon, where it is also known as Faieira. No information is available on other natural distribution areas. Availability in the natural distribution area is low. Louro Faia is Protugisian and could be translated as “beech wood”, presumably in reference to the distinctive wooden beams. Other trade names are: Brazilian lacewood (Brazilian plane tree), pearlwood and leopardwood – due to their high density. the distinctive drawing.
The wood has a red-brown base color. The pores are medium sized. Remarkable are the extremely broad and high rays of wood, which appear as striking mirrors in radial section, comparable to oak and sycamore. Lenticular light stripes in radial section. Very decorative depending on the incision pattern.
Density at 12% wood moisture approx. 0.80 t/m³. Moderate shrinkage. Good stamina. Must be dried slowly and gently if cracks are to be avoided. There is currently no more detailed technical information available on this type of wood.
Wood for furnishings, veneers, furniture making, wood for woodturning, music wood
References: |
Guitar, Joe Striebel Acoustic guitar, C. F. Martin, Pennsylvania, USA |
Sources: |
ATIBT (1986) |
