Carapa guianensis Aubl. – Meliaceae
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
dark brown or reddish brown heartwood distinct from the pale brown or grayish sapwood. Grain straight to interlocked, texture medium, luster moderate and not distinctive odor. It is considered the successor of mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) and cedar (Cedrela spp)
DENSITY
medium density wood, with density at 12% moisture content of 700 kg/m^3 and green density of 1030 kg/m^3.
DRYING
kiln-dries very rapidly, with moderate checking, cupping and twisting, when submitted to the drying schedule 1. Combined air and kiln-drying gives satisfactory results, specially when employing low temperatures and high humidity during the initial stage of the kiln-drying.
WORKABILITY
good working and finishing. Glues and screws well. Peels well for veneer.
DURABILITY
heartwood moderately resistant.
PRESERVATION
difficult to be preserved with pressure-vacuum systems.
USES
civil construction (beams, shingles and shakes, panels, window shutters, door posts, window sashes, baseboards and framing) furniture, sliced veneer, plywood, boxes and crates, interior trim for boats and ships and others.
