Tamarindo
Scientific name: Tamarindus indica
Overview
Tamarindo is a dense hardwood derived from the tamarind tree, a species widely known for its fruit but also valued for its strong and durable wood. While native to Africa, Tamarindo is extensively grown and utilized throughout Central America, where it has become a recognized regional hardwood.
The wood is typically medium to dark brown, often featuring darker streaks that create a subtle but attractive contrast. Its dense structure and natural durability make it suitable for both functional and decorative woodworking applications.
Tamarindo is appreciated for its strength, stability, and the balance it offers between workability and durability.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Tamarindo
- Scientific Name: Tamarindus indica
- Region: Central America Hardwoods (widely cultivated)
- Tree Size: 40–80 ft tall, 2–3 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 55–65 lbs/ft³
- Janka Hardness: 2,000 lbf (approx.)
- Color: Medium to dark brown with darker streaks
- Grain: Interlocked to irregular
- Texture: Medium to coarse
Identification Characteristics
Tamarindo is identified by its rich brown coloration combined with darker streaking that gives the wood a layered appearance. While not as bold as highly figured species, it offers more visual variation than uniform hardwoods like Manchiche.
The grain is typically interlocked or irregular, which can create subtle figure and movement across the surface. The texture tends to be medium to slightly coarse, contributing to its natural, organic look.
Key identification traits include:
- Medium to dark brown color
- Moderate darker streaking
- Interlocked or irregular grain
- Medium to coarse texture
- Solid, dense feel
Working Properties
Tamarindo can be moderately difficult to work due to its density and grain structure. Interlocked grain may lead to tear-out during machining if tools are not sharp.
The wood turns well and finishes nicely, producing a smooth surface when properly sanded. It glues and holds fasteners adequately with standard preparation.
- Moderate difficulty in machining
- Tear-out possible with interlocked grain
- Turns well and sands to a smooth finish
- Glues and fastens reliably
- Good dimensional stability
Safety Note
There are no widely reported severe reactions associated with Tamarindo wood, though standard safety practices such as dust collection and respiratory protection should always be followed.
Common Uses
Tamarindo is used in a variety of applications where durability and appearance are both important.
- Furniture
- Flooring
- Cabinetry
- Turned objects
- Tool handles
- Decorative woodworking
Sustainability & Notes
Tamarindo is widely cultivated for its fruit, which contributes to its availability as a wood resource in some regions. This cultivated presence can make it more accessible than slower-growing wild tropical hardwoods.
Even so, sourcing should still prioritize responsible harvesting practices to ensure long-term sustainability.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Manchiche
Manchiche is more uniform in appearance, while Tamarindo typically shows more variation and streaking.
Santa Maria
Santa Maria is lighter and easier to work, whereas Tamarindo offers greater density and durability.
Guanacaste (Parota)
Guanacaste is significantly lighter and more open-grained, making Tamarindo the better choice for strength and wear resistance.
Related Guides
Drying & Acclimating Exotic Woods
Proper drying and acclimation are essential for preventing movement and ensuring long-term stability in hardwoods like Tamarindo.
Best Woods for Outdoor Use
Explore how durability, density, and natural resistance affect whether a wood species performs well in outdoor environments.
Color Changes in Tropical Hardwoods Over Time
Learn how woods like Tamarindo develop deeper tones and richer color with age and exposure.
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
Tamarindo provides a useful balance in a wood collection, sitting between highly figured exotic species and more uniform commercial hardwoods. Its moderate streaking and density make it a good reference point for comparing grain variation and structural properties.
It is also a practical species for observing how cultivated hardwoods perform compared to wild tropical species.
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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.
Lumber Suppliers:
Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
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