Maple lumber collection
Clean, pale domestic alternative for furniture and utility builds.
View optionAraracanga Wood Guide
Wood species guide · Imported specialty hardwood
Araracanga is best understood by how it looks, how it works, and where it should be used. This guide explains the practical buying details before sending you to the right Kingma products.
Scientific nameAspidosperma megalocarpon
Janka hardness2,450 lbf
Average dried weight59 lb/ft³
Best fitTurned objects
Overview
Why choose Araracanga?
Araracanga is an imported specialty hardwood. Its natural range is Northern South America, Central America and Mexico. Common uses include turned objects, boatbuilding, flooring, general construction in its natural range and furniture.
Scientific nameAspidosperma megalocarpon
DistributionNorthern South America, Central America and Mexico
ShrinkageRadial: 5.8%, Tangential: 9.3%, Volumetric: 16.5%, T/R Ratio: 1.6
DurabilityHow durable it is depends on where it grew, with decay resistance rated from moderate to very high. Insects can attack it.
Araracanga colour, grain, and figure
The heartwood runs from golden yellow through to reddish brown, and violet or pinkish streaks can occur. The yellowish sapwood is not always clearly separate from the heartwood.
The grain is straight with an even, medium texture.
Working notes
Araracanga is easy to work and gives good results, although it dulls cutters faster than average. Turning, gluing and finishing all go well.
Serious reactions are rare, but araracanga is reported to irritate the skin and airways and to cause asthma-like symptoms.
Araracanga should be sold by project fit: colour, workability, durability, and the format the customer actually needs.
Best uses for Araracanga
Best projects
Common uses include turned objects, boatbuilding, flooring, general construction in its natural range and furniture.
Use caution
Avoid specifying it by name alone; confirm board size, moisture, colour, figure, and the project environment before buying.
Finish strategy
Test finishes on offcuts first, especially when colour, blotching, outdoor exposure, or grain filling matters.
Buying note
Choose boards, slabs, plywood, blanks, or posts based on the project rather than species name alone.
Shop path
Buying Araracanga from Kingma
Start with the direct species match when Kingma sells it. If stock rotates, use the closest live collection or a clearly explained alternative.
Live edge slabs
Use when the customer cares more about slab format and visual impact than this exact species.
View optionSimilar woods and alternatives
If Kingma does not have an exact match online, use the buying links below as practical alternatives only when the colour, grain, hardness, or project environment makes sense.
Araracanga FAQ
What is Araracanga best used for?
Common uses include turned objects, boatbuilding, flooring, general construction in its natural range and furniture. Match it to the exact board format, colour, hardness, and finish plan before buying.
Is Araracanga beginner friendly?
It depends on density, grain direction, and tooling. Test cuts on offcuts first, and choose Maple, Cherry, Walnut, or Poplar when easier machining is the priority.
Does Kingma sell Araracanga?
The buying section on this page links to any Araracanga Kingma has in stock and to the closest alternatives. Stock changes often, so call (780) 229-7681 or visit the yard at 4607 91 Ave NW, Edmonton to check what is in today.