Hardwood • Exotic Species

Canarywood Wood Guide 2026

Centrolobium spp.

Prepared by Lumberama's Wood Species Team
|Sources & methodology
Last updated September 2026 · Reviewed by Lumberama Wood Species Team

Typically described as colorful South American hardwood

Market Price Range

$10.00 – $18.00

per board foot

Exotic hardwood. South American. Vivid orange/red/yellow coloring.

Prices are approximate market ranges and vary by grade, width, thickness, and region. Request a quote for current pricing.

Wood Appearance

Canarywood natural grain

Natural Grain

Canarywood finished surface

Finished Surface

Key Takeaways

  • Density: 50 lbs/ft³
  • Classification: Hardwood
  • Origin: Brazil;Peru
  • Common uses include Flooring, Furniture, Turnings

Quick Facts

Janka Hardness
1,520 lbf
Density
50 lbs/ft³
Wood Type
Hardwood
Origin
Brazil;Peru
Price Range
N/A
SoftHard

Representative reference values — natural wood varies by growing region, moisture content and individual board.

Durability, Stability & Workability

Decay resistance
Durable
Outdoor suitability
Good
Dimensional stability
Good

Texture: Medium to fine with a lustrous sheen.

Workability: Works well with both hand and machine tools despite its density.

Fastening: Pre-drilling recommended for screws and nails.

Finishing: Polishes to a high luster and takes clear finishes exceptionally well.

Color change: Vibrant multi-colored heartwood fades to a more uniform reddish-brown.

Insect resistance: Good resistance to decay and insects.

Ratings and published values are representative reference figures. Natural wood varies with growing region, moisture content and individual boards — treat them as guidance, not guarantees.

Common Sizes & Availability

Typical market availability for Canarywood. Lumberama is a sourcing marketplace — actual stock, widths and lengths vary by supplier. Request a quote to confirm what's available for your project.

  • 4/4rough 1"
    Surfaced
    13/16" (3/4" common)
    Widths
    Random widths from 4 to 10 inches are common.
    Lengths
    Random lengths from 6 to 12 feet are available.
    Request this size →
  • 6/4rough 1-1/2"
    Surfaced
    1-5/16"
    Widths
    Random widths from 4 to 10 inches are common.
    Lengths
    Random lengths from 6 to 12 feet are available.
    Request this size →
  • 8/4rough 2"
    Surfaced
    1-3/4"
    Widths
    Random widths from 4 to 10 inches are common.
    Lengths
    Random lengths from 6 to 12 feet are available.
    Request this size →

Availability notes: Available through specialty hardwood lumber dealers.

How lumber sizes are described
Rough (4/4, 8/4…)
Hardwood thickness in quarters of an inch as sawn, before surfacing. 4/4 = 1" rough.
Surfaced (S2S/S4S)
Thickness after planing. 4/4 typically finishes at 13/16" or 3/4".
Nominal vs. actual
Construction lumber is sold by nominal size; a 2x6 measures about 1-1/2" x 5-1/2".
Random width / length
Most hardwood is sold as it comes from the log — widths and lengths vary within a range rather than being fixed.

Color & Grain

Color: Yellow to orange with dark streaks

Grain: Straight to interlocked; medium texture

Common Uses

  • Flooring
  • Furniture
  • Turnings
  • Decorative accents

Advantages

  • Janka indentation hardness: 1,520 lbf
  • Heartwood decay rating: Durable
  • Sourced from Brazil;Peru

Considerations

  • Pre-drilling recommended for fasteners
  • Hardness does not establish decay resistance or structural design strength
  • Availability may vary

Frequently Asked Questions

Alternatives to Consider

Species commonly specified for similar applications when Canarywood is unavailable or over budget.

Related Species

Explore More on Lumberama

Related Blog Posts