Maple lumber collection
Clean, pale domestic alternative for furniture and utility builds.
View optionYellow Lapacho Wood Guide
Wood species guide · Imported specialty hardwood
Yellow Lapacho 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 nameHandroanthus ochraceus , still commonly listed under the older synonym Tabebuia ochracea
Janka hardness2,590 lbf
Average dried weight68.7 lb/ft³
Best fitOther turned objects
Overview
Why choose Yellow Lapacho?
Yellow Lapacho is an imported specialty hardwood. Grows from Mexico south through Central and South America. Common uses include other turned objects, tool handles, veneer, exterior lumber, decking and flooring.
Scientific nameHandroanthus ochraceus , still commonly listed under the older synonym Tabebuia ochracea
DistributionGrows from Mexico south through Central and South America
ShrinkageRadial: 4.0%, Tangential: 5.5%, Volumetric: 10.6%, T/R Ratio: 1.4 More images | Identification
DurabilityThe wood is rated very durable and has excellent resistance to insects.
Yellow Lapacho colour, grain, and figure
Heartwood is generally medium to dark brown, at times with darker brown or black stripes. The name Yellow lapacho comes from the colour of its flowers, not its heartwood.
Texture is fine to medium, and the grain can be straight, irregular or interlocked. Natural shine is moderate.
Working notes
Extremely hard and dense, yellow lapacho is difficult to work and resists the saw strongly. It also blunts cutting edges noticeably.
Lapachol and related compounds such as lapachenole and deoxylapachol occur in many Handroanthus species and have caused marked skin irritation.
Yellow Lapacho should be sold by project fit: colour, workability, durability, and the format the customer actually needs.
Best uses for Yellow Lapacho
Best projects
Common uses include other turned objects, tool handles, veneer, exterior lumber, decking and flooring.
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 Yellow Lapacho 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.
Yellow Lapacho FAQ
What is Yellow Lapacho best used for?
Common uses include other turned objects, tool handles, veneer, exterior lumber, decking and flooring. Match it to the exact board format, colour, hardness, and finish plan before buying.
Is Yellow Lapacho 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 Yellow Lapacho?
The buying section on this page links to any Yellow Lapacho 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.