hardwood · Albizia saman
Monkeypod wood properties
Also known as: monkey pod, raintree, saman.
| Type | hardwood |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Albizia saman |
| Modulus of elasticity (MOE) | 1,149,000 psi |
| Specific gravity | 0.60 |
| Density (approx) | 37 lb/ft³ (3.1 lb per board foot) |
| Janka hardness | 900 lbf |
| Shrinkage (tangential / radial) | 3.4% / 2% |
| Region | Central and South America; widely planted across the tropics |
A 1 in x 6 in x 8 ft board of Monkeypod weighs about 12.5 lb (roughly 37 lb per cubic foot). Its Janka hardness of 900 lbf is harder than about 45% of the woods in our database.
Uses and working notes
Common uses: furniture, cabinetry, carving, millwork, veneer, turning.
Durability: Rates durable to very durable, with good resistance against insect attack.
Workability: Usually works easily, though planing interlocked grain may cause tearout; takes glue and finish well.
Use this data
Similar woods
Woods with comparable hardness and density to Monkeypod:
How these numbers were sourced
MOE, SG (12% MC), Janka and shrinkage from The Wood Database (cites USDA FPL Wood Handbook). CT/CR omitted: monkeypod is not listed in the FPL/Hoadley dimensional change coefficient table. Uses, region, durability and workability summarized from The Wood Database. Price indicative.
Values shown as estimates rather than sourced constants: typicalPricePerBF_usd.
Sources
These calculators are for planning and estimation. Engineering results (shelf sag, wood movement) use published average material properties; real boards vary by grade, grain, moisture and defects. Verify load-bearing designs with a professional.