Wood Species Guide

Cashew

Anacardium occidentale (cashew) or Anacardium excelsum (wild cashew, espavé); see note

Also called: Wild Cashew, Espavé, Espavel, Espave, Caracolí, Mijao (for Anacardium excelsum); Marañón, Cajú (orchard cashew)

Cashew wood comes from the cashew nut tree or its giant forest cousin, wild cashew (espavé). It is a warm golden-brown, medium-weight wood with ribbon grain that makes an unusual, story-worthy coffee table.

ImportHardwoodTropical Slab Woods

Good forTabletops & Slabs River Tables

About the name “Cashew”

Two related trees are sold as cashew wood. The orchard cashew (Anacardium occidentale) is the nut tree, grown in the tropics and in a few frost-free spots of South Florida. Wild cashew, or espavé (Anacardium excelsum), is a much bigger Central American forest tree and the more common source of wide slabs. We can't tell from the listing which one a given slab is, so we show the hardness as a range. Ask us if you need the exact species.

What Cashew looks like

Heartwood is a light golden to reddish brown, often with darker streaks and a pinkish cast when fresh. Sapwood is a pale tan to gray. Color usually darkens to a warmer brown with age.

Grain and texture

Grain is often interlocked, giving a ribbon look on some faces. Texture is medium to coarse with a soft luster.

Working Cashew: planing, cutting and gluing

Generally easy to cut. Interlocked grain can tear out, so flatten with a CNC or router sled and take light final passes. Slabs need slow, careful drying, or they check and warp. Glues and screws without trouble.

Finishing Cashew: oil, film finishes and epoxy

Finishes well with oil or a clear film. Seal coat before an epoxy pour, as the medium-open pores can bubble. A light sanding sealer first helps an even sheen on the coarser areas.

Durability, stability and Florida humidity

Wild cashew is rated moderately durable to non-durable and is not resistant to insects, so keep these pieces indoors. In Florida, acclimate in AC, finish both faces and keep the bottom ventilated.

Shop notes from our Fort Myers shop

Cashew is an uncommon slab and a fun story piece for a coffee or side table. Our current pieces are wide and short, ideal for a round or squared-off coffee table or a desk top. Because the wood can check while drying, look for cracks, and we will fill them with epoxy or bow-tie them for you. A satin oil finish keeps the warm golden tone natural.

Common uses for Cashew

Furniture, cabinetry, veneer, boxes, utility lumber, and live-edge coffee tables.

Sustainability and CITES status

Neither species is listed in the CITES Appendices. Both are widespread.

Safety and toxicity

Our toxicity rating ModerateWhat the ratings mean

Skin irritation
Sensitizer (allergy builds with exposure)
Respiratory / asthma

Cashew belongs to the poison ivy and mango family, and the sap and nut shells carry strong skin irritants. Dry wood dust is less of a problem, but skin rashes, airway irritation and occasional allergy are reported. Handle any green or sappy wood with gloves.

In the shop: Dust extraction + respirator when sanding; gloves and long sleeves, especially with green wood
Food contact: Not recommended for cutting boards, bowls and utensils

General information, not medical advice. See a doctor if you have a reaction.

Use caution. Cashew is in the same family as poison ivy and mango; the nut shells and sap of the cashew tree contain a strong skin irritant, and wild cashew dust has been reported to cause skin and respiratory irritation and asthma-like symptoms. Wear gloves, long sleeves and a good respirator when cutting or sanding.

Wood toxicity and dust safety guide: every species compared