Common name: Brazillian pecan
Botanical name: Guajuvira
WHY USE GUAJUVIRA?
Brazillian pecan (Guajuvira) is imported direct from Argentina to supply New Zealand with a fresh look timber. The Guajuvira tree is a symbol of steadiness and firmness and is the national emblem of Argentina. The density of Guajuvira is only beaten by a few other woods internationally. While other hard timbers are very difficult to process into a workable product, Guajuvira, requires little more than your standard pine, and delivers a far more aesthetically pleasing and a much more structurally solid result. Guajuvira does not require toxic treatments that NZ timbers do at the H1-H5 levels, as it is naturally resistant to rot, decay and borer. Used for flooring, decking, structural & exposed beams, stairs & bannisters, window & door frames, cabinetry & furniture, fencing and landscaping.
APPEARANCE AND DESCRIPTION
Unlike traditional Cedars and NZ Pine, Brazillian pecan darkens with sun exposure, with the rich dark red and black/brown colour depth and complexity only increasing with time, and contrasting with the pale colours in the time.
PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS
Durability:
Guajuvira is very durable and is also resistant to insect attacks. Guajuvira also has excellent weathering characteristics.
Mechanical properties:
| Density at 12% moisture content | 790 kg/m3 |
| Modulus of elasticity | 173.0 MPa |
| Shear strength parallel to grain | 2598 MPa |
| Compression strength parallel to grain | 83.3 MPa |
| Side Hardness | 54,123,844,648 MPa |
| Tangential shrinkage – green to 12% MC | 6.5 % |
| Radial Shrinkage – green to 12% MC | 4.3 % |
Machining:
Guajuvira can be difficult to work on account of its density and irregular grain. It has high cutting resistance, dries slowly and has a tendency to crack, check and warp while drying. Guajuvira finishes well and is able to take in a high natural polish without any finishing agents.
Glueing and coating considerations:
No special considerations.