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Canarywood

Centrolobium spp.
Also known as: Canary Wood, Putumuju
Exotic / ImportedMid-RangeFSC Available
Janka Hardness
1,520 lbf
6.8 kN
Density
830 kg/m³
4.33 lbs/bf
Grain
Interlocked
Texture: Medium
Figure
Ribbon figure on quartersawn faces, ray fleck
Drying
Easy
Movement: Moderate
Origin
Tropical South America
Fabaceae
Plain-Language Guide

Canarywood earns its name — the color is genuinely extraordinary, ranging from pale yellow to deep amber-red within a single board. It's one of those woods where you finish a piece and people ask what it is. It works reasonably well though interlocked grain needs respect. A great choice when you want drama without paying premium exotic prices.

Common Mistakes
  • Planing against the grain — interlocked grain tears out badly; always check grain direction before each pass
  • Expecting consistent color across boards — the variation is the point, but if you need matching pieces for a panel, you'll struggle
  • Over-finishing it — a simple oil or wax finish lets the natural color shine; heavy film finishes can muddy the warmth
Color & Appearance
Heartwood
Sapwood

Striking heartwood transitions from pale yellow to vivid orange and deep red — often within a single board. Called a 'rainbow wood' for good reason. Color tends to mellow with age.

Workability
Hand Tools
Moderate
Machine Tools
Good
Gluing
Easy
Finishing
Easy
Turning
Suitable
Carving
Not typically used

Works well with machine tools. Interlocked grain can cause tearout with hand planes — always check grain direction before each pass. Takes finishes beautifully and the natural color means little finishing intervention is needed.

Global Availability
RegionAvailability
North AmericaSpecialty importers only
EuropeSpecialty importers only
South AmericaRegional / select dealers
Southeast AsiaSpecialty importers only
Africa / Middle EastSpecialty importers only
Australia / NZSpecialty importers only
Health & Safety
Allergen Risk
Moderate
CITES Status
None
Notes
Dust can cause skin and respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals. No significant toxicity reported.
Common Uses
Furniture Flooring Turning Decorative veneers Musical instruments Tool handles
Sustainability: Sourced from South America. FSC-certified material available. Not currently threatened.