Cheesewood

Cheesewood is a tropical hardwood prized for its pale yellow to light brown heartwood, fine texture, and straight to slightly interlocked grain. Native to the Caribbean and Central America, Cheesewood is celebrated for its workability, stability, and subtle natural luster, making it ideal for artisan woodworking and decorative projects.

Its straight grain allows Cheesewood to machine, turn, and sand easily, producing a smooth surface that highlights its soft, warm tones. Perfect for pen blanks, knife handles, turned objects, inlays, small furniture accents, and specialty crafts, Cheesewood combines subtle elegance with reliable performance.

Botanical Information

Scientific Name: Alstonia congensis (commonly used in trade)

Family: Apocynaceae

Origin: Caribbean and Central America

Common & Trade Names

Cheesewood, Alstonia, Caribbean Cheesewood, Milkwood

Key Characteristics

Heartwood: pale yellow to light brown

Sapwood: paler, clearly defined

Grain: straight to slightly interlocked

Texture: fine, smooth finish

Moderate density; stable and workable

Subtle natural luster

Workability

Machines, sands, and turns easily

Accepts stains, oils, and finishes well

Glues and polishes reliably

Ideal for decorative and small precision projects

Health & Safety Note

Cheesewood dust may cause skin, eye, or respiratory irritation. Use proper dust extraction, respirator, and eye protection when machining or sanding.

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