Cristobal
Scientific Name: Platymiscium pinnatum
Overview
Cristobal is a moderately dense Central American hardwood valued for its warm golden-brown coloration and clean, straight grain. Native to Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and Costa Rica, it is commonly used in furniture, cabinetry, and interior millwork.
While not as dramatically figured as Ziricote or as dense as Almendro, Cristobal offers a balanced combination of strength, workability, and visual warmth. Its understated appearance makes it suitable for both structural and decorative applications.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Cristobal
- Scientific Name: Platymiscium pinnatum
- Region: Central American Hardwoods (Central America & Northern South America)
- Tree Size: 60–100 ft tall, 2–3 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 47 lbs/ft³ (750 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 1,640 lbf
- Color: Golden brown to reddish brown with darker streaks
- Grain: Straight to slightly interlocked
- Texture: Medium with a natural luster
Identification Characteristics
Cristobal is most easily identified by its warm golden to light reddish-brown heartwood and relatively straight, uniform grain. The texture is fine to medium, giving it a smooth, consistent appearance when milled.
Compared to darker Central American species, Cristobal presents a lighter and more uniform visual profile.
Key identification traits include:
- Light golden to reddish-brown coloration
- Straight, even grain
- Fine to medium texture
- Moderate natural luster
- Clearly defined lighter sapwood
Working Properties
Cristobal is considered relatively easy to work compared to many tropical hardwoods.
- Machines cleanly with sharp tooling
- Turns and shapes well
- Gluing performance is reliable
- Sands and finishes evenly
- Good dimensional stability when properly dried
Its balance of density and workability makes it suitable for both furniture and interior applications.
Safety Note
Dust may cause mild irritation in some individuals. Standard dust collection and respiratory protection are recommended during machining and sanding.
Common Uses
Cristobal is widely used in:
- Furniture
- Cabinetry
- Interior millwork
- Doors
- Turned objects
Its moderate density and warm tone make it versatile for interior projects.
Sustainability & Notes
Cristobal is not currently listed under CITES. As with all tropical hardwoods, responsible sourcing and supplier verification are recommended to ensure sustainable harvesting practices.
Availability may vary depending on regional forestry management regulations.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Granadillo – A dense Central American hardwood known for its reddish-brown color and durability, often used for musical instruments and fine woodworking.
Goncalo Alves – A decorative hardwood valued for its striking grain patterns and use in furniture, flooring, and specialty woodworking.
Honduran Rosewood – A dense tropical hardwood prized for instrument making and high-end woodworking due to its hardness and tonal qualities.
Related Guides
How to Identify Exotic Hardwood by Grain Pattern
Studying grain contrast and color variation helps distinguish decorative tropical hardwoods used in fine woodworking.
Density & Hardness Explained (Janka Scale Guide)
Understanding hardness ratings helps explain the durability and working properties of dense hardwood species.
Hardwood vs Softwood
Understand the fundamental differences between hardwood and softwood species, including structure, growth, and common uses.
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
Cristobal represents the lighter-toned Central American hardwood category within a collection. Well-seasoned boards deepen slightly in color but typically retain their warm golden-brown character.
Collectors often select straight-grained boards with uniform coloration to represent its balanced and versatile nature.
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When submitting photos, please include the common name, scientific name (if known), a brief description, and any information you would like us to share with the image.
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.
Lumber Suppliers:
Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
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• WETOLS Corner Clamp for Woodworking
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• Worx Pegasus 2-in-1 Folding Work Table & Sawhorse
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• EZARC Countersink Drill Bit Set
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