<p>Brittleheart, also known as compression failure, is a widespread phenomenon observed in numerous tropical wood species, significantly diminishing their strength properties. According to strength grading standards such as BS 5756, NEN 5493 and EN 16,737, timber exhibiting brittleheart characteristics must be rejected. Oftentimes brittleheart remains undetectable on the outer surface and cross-section of sawn timber. This study focuses on qualitatively characterizing compression failures in tropical hardwood and its mechanical properties. In this context, various non-destructive detection methods were explored. Five grades of compression failures were characterized based on the deformation and displacement of wood tissue. Results demonstrate that CT-scanning shows promising as a technique for detecting these five defined grades. Quantitative assessments of brittleheart on the mechanical properties were conducted to determine bending strength (<i>f</i>_<i>m</i>) and modulus of elasticity (<i>E</i>_<i>m</i>). Multiple regression models were developed to predict the bending strength with a highest coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.778 and a relatively high Standard Error of Estimate of 17&#xa0;N/mm².</p>