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View optionAustralian Blackwood Wood Guide
Wood species guide · Imported specialty hardwood
Australian Blackwood 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 nameAcacia melanoxylon
Janka hardness1,160 lbf
Average dried weight40.0 lb/ft³
Best fitOther specialty wood objects
Overview
Why choose Australian Blackwood?
Australian Blackwood is an imported specialty hardwood. Its natural range is Tasmania and eastern Australia, with introduced stands in southern Asia, Africa and South America. Used for other specialty wood objects, turned objects, gunstocks, musical instruments, cabinetry, furniture and veneer.
Scientific nameAcacia melanoxylon
DistributionTasmania and eastern Australia, with introduced stands in southern Asia, Africa and South America
ShrinkageRadial: 3.9%, Tangential: 7.9%, Volumetric: 11.9%, T/R Ratio: 2.0 More images | Identification
DurabilityIt is rated moderately durable against decay but is open to insect attack.
Australian Blackwood colour, grain, and figure
The colour varies a lot but usually sits around a golden or reddish brown of medium tone, like koa or mahogany. Growth rings often show contrasting bands, and it is not rare to find boards streaked in ribbons of colour.
Grain is usually straight, sometimes slightly interlocked or wavy; the texture is uniform and fine to medium.
Working notes
Hand and machine tools work it easily, although figured wood and interlocked grain can tear out. It turns well and takes glue, stain and finish, but catalyzed finishes in two parts can cure slowly.
Australian blackwood is a reported sensitizer, though serious reactions are rare.
Australian Blackwood should be sold by project fit: colour, workability, durability, and the format the customer actually needs.
Best uses for Australian Blackwood
Best projects
Used for other specialty wood objects, turned objects, gunstocks, musical instruments, cabinetry, furniture and veneer.
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 Australian Blackwood 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.
Live edge slabs
Use when the customer cares more about slab format and visual impact than this exact species.
View optionSimilar 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.
Australian Blackwood FAQ
What is Australian Blackwood best used for?
Used for other specialty wood objects, turned objects, gunstocks, musical instruments, cabinetry, furniture and veneer. Match it to the exact board format, colour, hardness, and finish plan before buying.
Is Australian Blackwood 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 Australian Blackwood?
The buying section on this page links to any Australian Blackwood 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.