Canarywood
Centrolobium spp.
Canarywood is a vibrant South American hardwood known for its bright yellow to orange-red color with dramatic purple and red streaking. This visually striking wood combines excellent workability with good strength, making it a favorite for fine furniture, turnings, and decorative inlays. The bold color and grain patterns create eye-catching contrast in any project.
Janka Hardness
1460 lbf
Moderately hard
Density
47 lbs/ft³
Medium density
Shrinkage
Moderate (7.5% tangential, 4.5% radial)
Stable when dried
Appearance
Color: Bright yellow to orange-red heartwood with distinctive purple and red streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow. Color darkens slightly with age and UV exposure.
Grain: Straight to interlocked grain with medium to coarse texture. Rainbow effect from color variations.
Key Characteristics
- •Vibrant yellow to red coloration
- •Dramatic purple and red streaking
- •Good strength and hardness
- •Excellent workability
- •Takes finish beautifully
- •Stable when dried properly
Common Applications
Maintenance
Clean with soft cloth and mild wood cleaner. The vibrant colors may fade with prolonged UV exposure; consider UV-protective finishes for pieces in direct sunlight.
Advantages
- +Stunning visual appeal with unique coloration
- +Works easily with hand and power tools
- +Glues, stains, and finishes exceptionally well
- +Good dimensional stability when dry
- +Moderately hard and durable
- +Takes detail well in turnings and carvings
Considerations
- •Color can fade with UV exposure over time
- •Not suitable for exterior use
- •Price higher than domestic hardwoods
- •Limited availability in wider boards
- •May cause allergic reactions in some individuals
- •Color variations between boards