Guatambu
Scientific name: Balfourodendron riedelianum
Overview
Guatambu is a dense, fine-textured South American hardwood native to Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. It is known for its light cream to pale yellow coloration and smooth, uniform appearance.
Often compared to lighter temperate hardwoods, Guatambu is valued for its clean look, strength, and ability to take a high-quality finish, making it suitable for furniture, flooring, and interior applications.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Guatambu
- Scientific Name: Balfourodendron riedelianum
- Region: South American Hardwoods (Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina)
- Tree Size: 60–100 ft tall, 2–4 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 53 lbs/ft³ (850 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 2,030 lbf
- Color: Pale yellow to light cream
- Grain: Straight
- Texture: Fine
Identification Characteristics
Guatambu is identified by its light color and very uniform, fine texture, often resembling lighter temperate hardwoods.
Key identification traits include:
- Pale yellow to cream-colored heartwood
- Straight, even grain
- Fine, smooth texture
- Clean and uniform appearance
Working Properties
Guatambu is generally easy to work and produces high-quality finishes.
- Machines well
- Planes and sands smoothly
- Glues and finishes easily
- Takes a fine, polished surface
- Good dimensional stability
Safety Note
Dust may cause mild irritation. Standard protective measures are recommended.
Common Uses
Guatambu is commonly used where a clean, light appearance and durability are desired.
- Furniture
- Flooring
- Cabinetry
- Interior trim
- Turned objects
Sustainability & Notes
Guatambu is not listed under CITES. It is harvested in South America, and responsible sourcing is recommended.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Hard Maple – Similar light color and fine texture, commonly used in similar applications.
Yellow Birch – Comparable appearance with slightly different grain character.
Peroba Rosa – Often darker but used in similar structural and interior applications.
Related Guides
Wood Identification
Helps distinguish light-colored hardwoods.
Finishing Oils vs Polyurethane on Exotic Species
Enhances smooth, uniform finishes.
Drying & Acclimating Exotic Woods
Important for maintaining stability.
Compare Wood Properties
See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.
Collector Notes
Guatambu is a valuable addition to collections for its clean, light coloration and fine texture. It serves as an excellent comparison species for lighter hardwoods, both tropical and temperate.
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Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
Learn more about contributing to the collection:
Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
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Availability & Where to Buy
Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.
As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.
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