Tornillo
Scientific Name: Cedrelinga cateniformis
Overview
Tornillo is a moderately dense South American hardwood native to the Amazon Basin. It is valued for its warm brown coloration, relatively straight grain, and balanced workability. Compared to many heavier tropical hardwoods, Tornillo offers a lighter weight and easier machining profile while still providing good strength and stability.
It is commonly used in furniture, cabinetry, and interior millwork applications where durability is desired without the extreme density of species such as Ipe or Cumaru.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Tornillo
- Scientific Name: Cedrelinga cateniformis
- Region: South American Hardwoods (Amazon Basin – Peru, Brazil, Colombia)
- Tree Size: 100–160 ft tall, 4–7 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 29 lbs/ft³ (465 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 600 lbf
- Color: Light brown to reddish brown, often with a subtle golden tone
- Grain: Interlocked
- Texture: Medium to coarse
Identification Characteristics
Tornillo is most easily identified by its warm brown heartwood and generally straight grain pattern. The texture ranges from medium to slightly coarse, with visible pores that contribute to its natural appearance.
Key identification traits include:
- Light to medium brown coloration
- Subtle striping in some boards
- Generally straight grain
- Moderate weight compared to dense tropical hardwoods
- Clearly defined pale sapwood
Working Properties
Tornillo is considered relatively easy to work compared to many South American hardwoods.
- Machines cleanly with standard carbide tooling
- Sands and finishes well
- Gluing performance is generally reliable
- Turns and shapes with minimal tear-out
- Good dimensional stability when properly dried
Its moderate density makes it easier to handle in furniture construction.
Safety Note
Dust may cause mild irritation in some individuals. Standard dust collection and respiratory protection are recommended when machining or sanding.
Common Uses
Tornillo is commonly used in:
- Furniture
- Cabinetry
- Interior paneling
- Millwork
- Doors
- General construction
Its balance of strength and workability makes it suitable for both decorative and structural interior applications.
Sustainability & Notes
Tornillo is not currently listed under CITES. As with all Amazon-sourced hardwoods, responsible forestry practices and supplier verification are important.
Availability can vary depending on regional harvesting regulations and export controls.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Cedro – A lightweight tropical hardwood known for its good workability and use in furniture and cabinetry, often similar in application but typically more aromatic.
Spanish Cedar – Another light, easy-to-work hardwood commonly used in cabinetry and interior woodworking, generally softer and more aromatic than Tornillo.
Primavera – A light to medium-density hardwood used in furniture and millwork, sharing similar workability but often more uniform in color.
Related Guides
How to Identify Exotic Hardwood by Grain Pattern
Studying grain texture and color variation helps distinguish lighter tropical hardwoods used in furniture and interior applications.
Drying & Acclimating Exotic Woods
Proper drying and acclimation help maintain stability and reduce movement in woodworking lumber.
Moisture Content & Long-Term Stability
Managing moisture content helps prevent warping and ensures long-term stability in wood used for furniture and interior projects.
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
Tornillo represents the mid-density South American hardwood category in a collection. Well-seasoned boards often develop a deeper brown tone over time.
Collectors may prefer boards with subtle striping or more pronounced grain movement, though the species is generally appreciated for its consistent and workable character rather than dramatic figure.
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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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