Andiroba
Carapa guianensis
Genus: Carapa · Family: Meliaceae
Quick Facts
Wood Type
Hardwood
Native Range
South America, Central America
Avg. Dried Weight
40 lb/ft³
Janka Hardness
1,220 lbf
Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable
Typical Color
Reddish Brown
Stability
Medium
Outdoor Suitability
Fair
Workability
Moderate
Availability
Commercially Available
CITES
Unlisted
IUCN
Not Evaluated
Did You Know?
- •Andiroba is harder than 47% of the 137 species in our database.
Janka Hardness Scale
Medium
Overview
Professional Summary
Andiroba (Carapa guianensis) is a South American Meliaceae family member often marketed as 'Brazilian Mahogany' due to its similar appearance. At 1,220 lbf Janka, it offers moderate hardness, good workability, and an attractive reddish-brown color that makes it a cost-effective mahogany alternative for furniture and millwork.
In Plain English
Andiroba is South America's answer to Mahogany — similar warm reddish-brown color and pleasant working characteristics at a lower price. It's a solid choice for furniture, flooring, and interior trim when you want a mahogany look without the premium cost.
Appearance
Technical Properties
Sources, Conditions & Safety
No documented references are attached to this profile yet. Its recorded values should not be treated as source-verified.
Wood dust & sensitivity
Species-specific safety information has not been documented here. Absence of a warning does not mean the wood is safe or non-allergenic.
Use dust extraction and appropriate protective equipment; consult occupational-safety guidance. This is not medical advice or food-contact approval.
Durability & Performance
Workability
Common Uses
Cost-effective alternative to Mahogany for furniture, millwork, flooring, and interior trim.
Sustainability & Trade
Listings are reference information, not proof of legal sourcing or certification. Verify current trade rules and supplier documentation before buying; absence of a note does not mean unrestricted trade.
Only moderately durable — not ideal for prolonged outdoor exposure. Properties vary between sources.
Native Distribution
Find Substitutes
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Look-Alike Species
Woods with a similar reddish brown color that are easily confused with Andiroba. Recorded differences are shown where data exists; confirm identification with end-grain examination.
- • Harder (Janka 1,750 lbf)
- • Heavier (47 lb/ft³)
- • Decay: Durable
- • Softer (Janka 1,070 lbf)
- • Texture: Medium to coarse
- • Harder (Janka 2,430 lbf)
- • Heavier (55 lb/ft³)
- • Decay: Durable
- • Texture: Medium to coarse
- • Harder (Janka 2,890 lbf)
- • Heavier (63 lb/ft³)
- • Decay: Very Durable
- • Texture: Medium to coarse