Canarywood
Centrolobium spp. • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight but can be irregular or interlocked; the sample shows a predominantly straight to slightly wavy flat-sawn grain with distinct growth rings.
Color Description
Heartwood varies from yellow to orange with prominent streaks of reddish brown and purplish pink. High luster and moderate chatoyance. Color typically darkens and the vibrant streaks fade to a more uniform golden brown with UV exposure over time.
Hardness Rating
1,520 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay, and generally resistant to insect attacks.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, flooring, boat building, turnery, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
South America (primarily Brazil, Colombia, and Paraguay).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 to $18.00 per board foot depending on figure and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled or recently surfaced; the vibrant reds and yellows indicate the sample has not yet undergone significant UV-induced darkening or oxidation commonly seen in older Canarywood.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; generally considered a sustainable exotic wood.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though interlocked areas can cause some tearout during planing. It glues, finishes, and turns very well.
Notable Features
Often has a faint, pleasant scent when being worked; relatively heavy and strong for its appearance; noteworthy for its rainbow-like color streaks which are unique among tropical woods.
Finish Recommendations
A UV-inhibiting clear finish (like a high-quality polyurethane or conversion varnish) is highly recommended to preserve the rainbow-like color streaks for as long as possible.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic 'rainbow' streaks of yellow, orange, and red coupled with the medium-to-large pore structure are definitive markers for Canarywood (Centrolobium).