Apricot Wood Guide

Wood species guide · Imported specialty hardwood

Apricot 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 namePrunus armeniaca
Janka hardness1,390 lbf
Average dried weight46 lb/ft³
Best fitKnife handles

Overview

Why choose Apricot?

Apricot is an imported specialty hardwood. Planted around the world; native to Asia and eastern Europe. Common uses include knife handles, carvings, musical instruments and turned objects.

Scientific namePrunus armeniaca
DistributionPlanted around the world; native to Asia and eastern Europe

Apricot colour, grain, and figure

The heartwood is light brown with a reddish or orange cast at times. Darker brown streaking is typical.

The texture is fine and even, with moderate natural luster.

Working notes

Straight, clear-grained areas are easy to work by hand or machine. Take care when surfacing knots or irregular grain so it does not tear out.

Apart from the usual hazards of wood dust, no other health effects are known for Apricot.

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

Best uses for Apricot

Best projects

Common uses include knife handles, carvings, musical instruments and turned objects.

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 Apricot 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.

Apricot FAQ

What is Apricot best used for?

Common uses include knife handles, carvings, musical instruments and turned objects. Match it to the exact board format, colour, hardness, and finish plan before buying.

Is Apricot 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 Apricot?

The buying section on this page links to any Apricot 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.