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Leopardwood is an eye-catching hardwood known for its distinctive spotted grain pattern that resembles a leopard’s coat, created by unique medullary ray figures in the wood. With a warm reddish-brown base and bold texture, it’s commonly used for turning, decorative accents, and specialty woodworking projects where visual impact is key.

  • Lumber

  • 4/4 Leopardwood Lumber

    Original price $31.94 - Original price $63.95
    Original price $31.94
    $31.94 - $63.95
    $31.94 - $63.95
    Current price $31.94

    Although somewhat similar in grain to Lacewood, Leopardwood is not the same wood The large medullary rays that give this wood its name are light br...

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    Original price $31.94 - Original price $63.95
    Original price $31.94
    $31.94 - $63.95
    $31.94 - $63.95
    Current price $31.94
  • S4S Lumber

  • Online / Pre-Order S4S Leopardwood Lumber

    Original price $36.95 - Original price $70.95
    Original price $36.95
    $36.95 - $70.95
    $36.95 - $70.95
    Current price $36.95

    Although somewhat similar in grain to Lacewood, Leopardwood is not the same wood The large medullary rays that give this wood its name are light br...

    View full details
    Original price $36.95 - Original price $70.95
    Original price $36.95
    $36.95 - $70.95
    $36.95 - $70.95
    Current price $36.95
  • Thins

  • Leopardwood Thin

    Original price $13.95 - Original price $41.95
    Original price
    $13.95 - $41.95
    $13.95 - $41.95
    Current price $13.95

    Although somewhat similar in grain to Lacewood, Leopardwood is not the same wood The large medullary rays that give this wood its name are light br...

    View full details
    Original price $13.95 - Original price $41.95
    Original price
    $13.95 - $41.95
    $13.95 - $41.95
    Current price $13.95
  • The Zoo! Thins Pack ( 5 x 24" )

    Original price $54.75
    Original price $54.75 - Original price $54.75
    Original price $54.75
    Current price $45.95
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    The Zoo! Wood Thins Package Let this uniquely themed thins package inspire your next woodworking project. But watch out - these species are animals...

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    Original price $54.75
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    Save $8.80 Save $0.00
  • Mix Packs

  • Online / Pre-Order S4S The Zoo! Lumber Mix Pack

    An Animal Mix
    Original price $137.95 - Original price $240.95
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    5 exotic species that will drive you wild! Named after animals - these four popular types of exotic lumber are always a bit hit with our customers....

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    Original price $137.95 - Original price $240.95
    Original price $137.95
    $137.95 - $240.95
    $137.95 - $240.95
    Current price $137.95
  • 4/4 The Zoo! Lumber Mix Pack

    An Animal Mix
    Original price $102.95 - Original price $186.95
    Original price $102.95
    $102.95 - $186.95
    $102.95 - $186.95
    Current price $102.95

    5 exotic species that will drive you wild! Named after animals - these four popular types of exotic lumber are always a bit hit with our customers....

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    Original price $102.95 - Original price $186.95
    Original price $102.95
    $102.95 - $186.95
    $102.95 - $186.95
    Current price $102.95

Leopardwood (Roupala montana)

Pricing:



Moderately Expensive

Hardness:

2,150

Janka

Distribution:



Central and South America

Availability:



Some difficulty to source

Appearance

The large medullary rays that give this wood its name are light brown while the wood itself is medium to dark reddish brown.

Workability

Leopardwood is difficult to work because of its high density and tearout is quite common.

Uses

Commonly used for furniture, veneer, musical instruments, and turned objects.

Additional Comments

Often misnamed as Lacewood, Leopardwood is much tougher to work with. Despite the difficulties in working with it, this timber is beautiful and can add beautiful accents to any project.

Have you made something with Leopardwood?

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Frequently Asked Questions About Leopardwood

What is Leopardwood?

Leopardwood (Roupala montana) is a South American hardwood named for its leopard-spot-like medullary ray flecks on a reddish-brown background.

What does Leopardwood look like?

Leopardwood features reddish-brown to light brown base wood overlaid with large oval or rectangular medullary ray flecks that resemble a leopard's spots. These flecks are most prominent on quartersawn surfaces and can be 1–3 cm in size.

How hard is Leopardwood?

Leopardwood has a Janka hardness of approximately 2,150 lbf (9,560 N), making it an extremely hard tropical hardwood, harder than Hard Maple, Hickory, and most domestic species.

Where does Leopardwood come from?

Leopardwood (Roupala montana) is native to South America, particularly Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, and Peru, where it grows in tropical and subtropical forests.

What is Leopardwood used for?

Leopardwood is used for furniture, cabinetry, decorative veneers, flooring, turned objects, musical instrument components, and knife handles.

Is Leopardwood easy to work with?

Leopardwood is moderately challenging to work due to its hardness and the irregular structure of its prominent medullary rays. Sharp carbide tools are required. The large ray flecks can occasionally chip or lift during planing if worked against the grain.

What finish works best on Leopardwood?

Clear oil-based finishes, lacquers, and hardwax oils work best on Leopardwood, showing off its spotted medullary ray pattern without obscuring or altering the natural color contrast.

Is Leopardwood good for flooring?

Yes. Leopardwood's extreme hardness (Janka ~2,150 lbf) makes it a durable flooring option.

Does Leopardwood have a scent?

Leopardwood has a mild fragrance when freshly cut, described by some as faintly cedar-like or mildly spicy. The scent diminishes after drying and is barely detectable in finished pieces.