Known scientifically as Enterolobium Cyclocarpum, Guanacaste wood is commonly called Parota. Depending on where you live, Guanacaste is also known as rain tree, caro caro, elephant ear tree, etc. according to its seedpod shape.
Guanacaste trees are primarily found in Mexico and Central America, and are used frequently for wooden furniture design and construction because they feature:
- Dimensions of considerable size
- Gold-brown coloration with neutral tones
- The grain pattern is distinct
- Despite the price increases associated with its popularity, it remains an affordable option.
Tables made from Guanacaste wood are particularly beautiful. There is a honey-like coloration and a reddish hue to the heartwood, along with distinct, cream-like sapwood. For a modern look, Guanacaste furniture can also be made without white sapwood.
UNIQUE GUANACASTE WOOD
There is a particular appeal to the wood grain of Guanacaste, which looks like that of Acacia or Koa, except it has a more intense texture and more consistent color.
Compared to mahogany or redwood, Guanacaste trees are lighter in density, as they grow much more rapidly. They are therefore ideal for projects or furniture pieces of a large size.
We bring out the grain patterns in Guanacaste using matte finishes which give it a much more natural look when compared to glossy varnishes.
GROWTH OF GUANACASTE WOOD
An extremely fast-growing tree, Guanacaste can grow enormously tall (65-100 feet) and wide (5-9 feet) in a very short period. Hence, it is suitable for reforestation and for the sustainable production of long wood slabs. The material is also remarkable for its lightweight and less density than most exotic hardwoods, meaning a large slab of Guanacaste is much lighter than other imported woods.
FAQS ABOUT GUANACASTE WOOD
What are the common names of Guanacaste? Parota, Guanacaste, Enterolobium Cyclocarpum
Where do Guanacaste trees grow? The wood of Guanacaste trees is mainly found in Central and Northern South America, as well as in South Mexico.
What color is Guanacaste? The heartwood of the Guanacaste tree is typically light or medium brown, sometimes with a reddish hue or darker streaks. The sapwood of the Guanacaste tree is pale yellow and stands out for its distinct separation from the heartwood.
What’s the appearance of Guanacaste? The wood grain is like that of Acacia or Koa wood and is characterized by a bold, striking appearance. Its texture is between that of mahogany and redwood.
How durable is Guanacaste Wood? Guanacaste wood is rated as exceptionally durable and insect-resistant (heartwood is more so than sapwood). This wood is still more resilient than many other hardwoods, such as red oak, which has poor insect resistance and usually stains when it meets water.
Why are slabs of Guanacaste so large? Guanacaste trees are known for their rapid growth, reaching enormous heights and widths, and producing wood slabs of great size.
What is the average size of a Guanacaste tree? The Guanacaste tree grows to an average height of 65 to 100 feet, with trunk diameters ranging from 5 to 9 feet.
What is the average weight of dried Guanacaste slabs? Guanacaste is a light hardwood that weighs just 27 pounds per square foot, about half of the weight of red and white oaks (44–47 pounds per square foot)
What is the grain and texture of Guanacaste wood? The grain of Guanacaste wood appears to be interlocked and has a textured surface. The natural sheen of Guanacaste wood is medium. The grains of Guanacaste are characterized by multiple solitary rays with a narrow to medium width.
What is the pricing and availability of Guanacaste Wood? Due to the large trunk size of Guanacaste, large slabs and live-edge cuts of this wood are more readily available and are sustainably sourced. As Guanacaste wood is lighter in size, exporting or importing Guanacaste slabs or furniture is sometimes cheaper. In recent years, however, it has become harder to find large slabs of Guanacaste due to its popularity.
SUSTAINABILITY OF GUANACASTE TABLES
Because of its fast-growing properties, Guanacaste is usually harvested in a highly sustainable manner thus it is neither listed in the CITES appendices nor on the IUCN threatened species list. The very limited availability of Hawaiian Koa makes Guanacaste wood an ideal alternative.
At Moruxo we specialize in live-edge tables made from Guanacaste wood. So if you want to invest in unique live edge wooden furniture the easy way, simply pay us a visit in South Austin, or head over to our online shop to browse our current inventory.
Alternatively, if you have any questions or wish to make an appointment to view our live edge slabs, feel free to call us at (915) 412 5985 or email us at info@moruxo.com.
