Chinaberry has a heartwood that ranges in color from a light pinkish orange to a deeper reddish brown, which will darken in color when exposed to light. The sapwood is a lighter yellow color. The grain is usually straight and it has a coarse uneven texture. The wood gives off a pronounced natural lustre. The end grain is ring-porous. Chinaberry is rated as moderately durable when it comes to decay. The wood is easy to work with and cuts, planes, sands, and glues well.