Wood Species Guide
Yellowheart
Euxylophora paraensis
Also called: Pau Amarelo, Pau Amarello, Amarelo Cetim, Brazilian Satinwood
What Yellowheart looks like
Bright, even yellow, sometimes with a hint of orange. The yellow mellows toward gold or light brown with UV exposure.
Grain and texture
Straight to slightly interlocked grain with a fine, uniform texture and natural luster. Some boards show ribbon or mottled figure.
Working Yellowheart: planing, cutting and gluing
It works well overall, with some tearout where the grain interlocks. Glues and finishes well. Sharp tools leave a smooth surface.
Finishing Yellowheart: oil, film finishes and epoxy
Clear finishes keep the yellow brightest; oil will warm it up. A UV-resistant topcoat helps slow the shift toward brown. Seal coat before epoxy.
Durability, stability and Florida humidity
Moderately durable. Stable enough for furniture. Indoors in Florida, acclimate and finish all sides.
Shop notes from our Fort Myers shop
Yellowheart is all about color. Use it for contrast strips in cutting boards, inlay, boxes and accents next to walnut, purpleheart or padauk. Hardness figures for it vary between references, but it is harder than hard maple. We don't stock it, but ask us and we can often source it.
Common uses for Yellowheart
Cutting boards, inlay, boxes, flooring, accent strips, turnings.
Sustainability and CITES status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices.
Safety and toxicity
- Skin irritation
- Sensitizer (allergy builds with exposure)
Yellowheart can irritate the skin, and a woodworker has been documented with a true allergic rash from it. It belongs to the citrus family and contains a compound that can make skin more sensitive to sunlight.
- In the shop
- Dust collection + mask; gloves and long sleeves if your skin reacts
- Food contact
- Use with care for cutting boards, bowls and utensils
General information, not medical advice. See a doctor if you have a reaction.
Skin irritation has been reported in some people. Use dust collection.
Yellowheart in stock now
Ask us. We can often source it.
We don't have Yellowheart 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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