Linear Ribbon Mahogany Cabinetry and Jatoba Flooring
Spotlight on: Jatoba, Brazilian Cherry
Linear ribbon Mahogany cabinetry in both matte and high gloss finishes, cleft face slate, natural finished Jatoba (Hymenaea courbaril) wood floors, etched glass backsplash tile, swirling high gloss granite tops and brushed stainless countertops produced an array of tactile textures, colors and sheens and imparted a sense of tranquility to the area.
"Our choice of Jatoba for the flooring was based on the fact that we loved the rich varied color of the wood which naturally darkens with age and sunlight," said Sumathi Nadarajah. "It doesn't need to be stained; it is easy to clean and it feels warm during the winter months."
Unstained ribbon Genuine Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) was used for the kitchen and family room cabinetry, as well as for a fireplace façade and was echoed with accent touches
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Spotlight on: Jatoba, Brazilian Cherry
Species: Hymenaea courbaril
Origin: Central America, Southern Mexico, Northern South America, and the West Indies
Common Applications: Flooring, fine furniture, cabinetry, architectural details, shipbuilding, joinery and turnery, and small specialty items.
Characteristics/Appearance: Heartwood varies from a light orange-brown to dark reddish brown, sometimes with contrasting grayish brown streaks. Color tends to darken upon exposure to light. Sapwood is a light grayish yellow, clearly demarcated from the heartwood. Grain is typically interlocked, with a medium to coarse texture. Good natural luster.
Janka Hardness Scale: 2,690 lb_f (see chart on page 19)
Comments: Jatoba bears little relation to the American Cherry (Prunus serotina). Jatoba can be moderately difficult to work with because of its density and hardness. It can be machined to a smooth surface except when planing where tear-out occurs due to interlocking grain. Jatoba glues, stains, turns, finishes and responds to steam-bending well.
Frequently asked questions
Why was Jatoba chosen for the flooring in this residence?+
Sumathi Nadarajah said Jatoba was chosen because of its rich varied color that naturally darkens with age and sunlight. It also doesn't need to be stained, is easy to clean, and feels warm during the winter months.
What materials were combined with the linear ribbon Mahogany cabinetry in this project?+
The Mahogany cabinetry was paired with cleft face slate, natural finished Jatoba wood floors, etched glass backsplash tile, swirling high gloss granite tops, and brushed stainless countertops, creating an array of tactile textures, colors, and sheens.
How was the ribbon Genuine Mahogany used throughout the home?+
Unstained ribbon Genuine Mahogany was used for the kitchen and family room cabinetry as well as for a fireplace façade, with accent touches carrying the material through the space.
What finishes were applied to the ribbon Mahogany cabinetry?+
The linear ribbon Mahogany cabinetry was finished in both matte and high gloss, contributing to the variety of sheens in the space.
What working characteristics should be considered when fabricating with Jatoba?+
Jatoba can be moderately difficult to work with due to its density and hardness, and tear-out can occur during planing because of its interlocking grain. However, it glues, stains, turns, finishes, and responds to steam-bending well.