Afata Wood Guide

Wood species guide · Imported specialty hardwood

Afata is best understood by how it looks, how it works, and where it should be used. This guide explains the practical buying details before sending you to the right Kingma products.

Scientific nameCordia trichotoma
Janka hardness1,130 lbf
Average dried weight39 lb/ft³
Best fitVeneer

Overview

Why choose Afata?

Afata is an imported specialty hardwood. Grows in South America. Used for veneer, furniture, cabinetry and trim indoors.

Scientific nameCordia trichotoma
DistributionGrows in South America
ShrinkageRadial: 4.5%, Tangential: 7.3%, Volumetric: 11.8%, T/R Ratio: 1.6 More images | Identification
DurabilityDecay resistance runs from moderate to poor, and the wood is not resistant to insects.

Afata colour, grain, and figure

Golden to reddish brown heartwood, which may carry darker streaks or figure. Clearly set apart from it is the pale yellow sapwood.

Straight or slightly interlocked grain, with an even, medium-coarse texture and a good natural shine.

Working notes

Afata cuts easily with hand and machine tools. It takes glue, stain and finish well.

Apart from the usual risks of breathing any wood dust, afata has not been linked to any specific health problems.

Afata should be sold by project fit: colour, workability, durability, and the format the customer actually needs.

Best uses for Afata

Best projects

Used for veneer, furniture, cabinetry and trim indoors.

Use caution

Avoid specifying it by name alone; confirm board size, moisture, colour, figure, and the project environment before buying.

Finish strategy

Test finishes on offcuts first, especially when colour, blotching, outdoor exposure, or grain filling matters.

Buying note

Choose boards, slabs, plywood, blanks, or posts based on the project rather than species name alone.

Shop path

Buying Afata from Kingma

Start with the direct species match when Kingma sells it. If stock rotates, use the closest live collection or a clearly explained alternative.

Kingma option

Maple lumber collection

Clean, pale domestic alternative for furniture and utility builds.

View option
Kingma option

Live edge slabs

Use when the customer cares more about slab format and visual impact than this exact species.

View option

Similar woods and alternatives

If Kingma does not have an exact match online, use the buying links below as practical alternatives only when the colour, grain, hardness, or project environment makes sense.

Afata FAQ

What is Afata best used for?

Used for veneer, furniture, cabinetry and trim indoors. Match it to the exact board format, colour, hardness, and finish plan before buying.

Is Afata beginner friendly?

It depends on density, grain direction, and tooling. Test cuts on offcuts first, and choose Maple, Cherry, Walnut, or Poplar when easier machining is the priority.

Does Kingma sell Afata?

The buying section on this page links to any Afata Kingma has in stock and to the closest alternatives. Stock changes often, so call (780) 229-7681 or visit the yard at 4607 91 Ave NW, Edmonton to check what is in today.