Wood Species Guide
Andiroba
Carapa guianensis
Also called: Crabwood, Carapa, Cedro Macho, Tangare, Figueroa
What Andiroba looks like
Reddish brown to medium brown, a lot like a plain-figured mahogany. Color darkens a bit with age.
Grain and texture
Grain is straight to interlocked, with a medium texture and modest luster.
Working Andiroba: planing, cutting and gluing
Generally works well, though interlocked grain can tear out when planing. Some boards have a slight tendency to split when nailed, so pre-drill. It glues well.
Finishing Andiroba: oil, film finishes and epoxy
Takes oil and film finishes well, and it stains evenly, which is why it is sometimes used as a mahogany stand-in. For epoxy work, a seal coat helps on open-grain areas.
Durability, stability and Florida humidity
Moderately durable. It holds up better than many light hardwoods, but it is not a true outdoor wood like teak. Keep it under cover in Florida and finish all sides.
Shop notes from our Fort Myers shop
Andiroba is a practical mahogany alternative: reddish brown, workable and fairly priced. It's mostly sold as lumber and flooring. It makes nice cabinetry, interior doors and trim. We don't stock it routinely; ask us and we'll check.
Common uses for Andiroba
Furniture, cabinetry, flooring, interior trim, doors and veneer.
Sustainability and CITES status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices.
Safety and toxicity
- Skin irritation
- Eye irritation
- Respiratory / asthma
Reported to irritate eyes and skin and to cause sneezing. Data is thin, and related mahogany-family woods are known irritants, so treat it with normal care.
- In the shop
- Dust collection + mask when sanding; gloves for sensitive skin
- Food contact
- Use with care for cutting boards, bowls and utensils
General information, not medical advice. See a doctor if you have a reaction.
Eye and skin irritation and sneezing have been reported, though serious reactions are uncommon. Use dust control.
Andiroba in stock now
Ask us. We can often source it.
We don't have Andiroba listed online right now, but new slabs and lumber come in all the time and not everything makes it to the website. Tell us what you're building and we'll check our racks and suppliers.
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