Andiroba (Carapa guianensis) is an Amazon basin tree gaining traction in 2026 as a mid-priced alternative to ipe and genuine mahogany for outdoor garden applications.
What Is Andiroba?
Andiroba belongs to Meliaceae — the same family as genuine mahogany, Spanish cedar, and African mahogany. Shares mahogany's working properties: interlocked grain, reddish-brown heartwood, good workability. Specific gravity ~0.60–0.65; Janka hardness 1,220–1,430 lbf — harder than teak (1,155 lbf) and genuine mahogany (800–900 lbf), considerably easier than ipe (3,510 lbf).
Outdoor Durability
Andiroba is Durability Class I–II depending on heartwood concentration. Natural durability comes from limonoid compounds — biologically active enough that andiroba seed oil is a documented Amazon insect repellent. Above-grade outdoor lifespan without treatment: 20–35 years, superior to cedar (Class II, 15–25 years) at comparable or lower cost.
Best Garden Applications
Well-suited to raised bed framing above grade, garden furniture and benches (accepts oil finishes beautifully), and arbor framing. Not ideal for ground-contact posts — use Class I species like black locust or ipe for in-ground applications. See our wood selection guide for garden structures for full comparisons.
Sourcing and Pricing in 2026
Specialty hardwood dealers have increased andiroba inventory in 2025–2026 as ipe prices stay elevated. Board-foot pricing: $8–$14/bf — between domestic hardwoods ($4–$8/bf) and ipe ($15–$25/bf). FSC-certified stock is more available from Brazilian operations. See our ipe buying guide for the full premium outdoor lumber spectrum.
Environmental Considerations
Andiroba's 30–50 year harvest rotation is relatively fast for a tropical species. Its multiple commercial uses (lumber, seed oil, medicinal bark) make sustainable forest management economically viable. FSC certification is available from some suppliers — the most reliable sourcing indicator for Amazonian species.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is andiroba the same as mahogany?
- No — they share the Meliaceae family but are distinct species. "South American mahogany" is a trade name. Andiroba is generally more durable outdoors than genuine mahogany but has different grain structure characteristics.
- How does andiroba compare to teak for outdoor furniture?
- Both are Class I–II durability. Teak (1,155 lbf) is slightly softer and well-established for outdoor furniture; andiroba is generally less expensive in 2026. Either is suitable for garden furniture.
- Is andiroba safe for food gardens?
- Yes — no synthetic preservatives. Natural limonoid compounds are not food-safety concerns at lumber concentrations. As safe as cedar or untreated hardwood for edible crops.
- Does andiroba need finishing?
- Not for structural durability — rot resistance is intrinsic. Annual penetrating oil maintains the reddish-brown color; without treatment it weathers to silver-gray.
- Where can I find andiroba lumber?
- Specialty tropical hardwood dealers. Availability is improving in 2026 but it is not a commodity item at most lumber yards; contact regional hardwood networks or national online dealers.