Maple lumber collection
Clean, pale domestic alternative for furniture and utility builds.
View optionBreadnut Wood Guide
Wood species guide · Imported specialty hardwood
Breadnut 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 nameBrosimum alicastrum
Janka hardness1,520 lbf
Average dried weight46.9 lb/ft³
Best fitFlooring
Overview
Why choose Breadnut?
Breadnut is an imported specialty hardwood. Grows from southern Mexico through Central America into northern South America. Used for flooring, cabinetry, veneer, furniture and general construction.
Scientific nameBrosimum alicastrum
DistributionGrows from southern Mexico through Central America into northern South America
ShrinkageRadial: 5.4%, Tangential: 9.2%, Volumetric: 14.6%, T/R Ratio: 1.7 More images | Identification
DurabilityThe wood is non-durable and has poor resistance to decay and insects.
Breadnut colour, grain, and figure
Heartwood and sapwood look alike, both a pale yellow shading to light brown. The ramon colorado form may show a darker orange-brown false heartwood, often streaked darker, though the amount varies with how and how long the tree grew.
Grain is mostly straight, though it can be irregular and shallowly interlocked. Texture is medium to fine, and natural shine is moderate to high.
Working notes
Hand tool work can be difficult because of the grain and the density. Silica, reported at .68%, can also dull cutters early. Irregular or interlocked grain makes machining harder, while straight-grained stock machines well.
Apart from the usual risks of breathing any wood dust, breadnut has not been linked to any specific health problems.
Breadnut should be sold by project fit: colour, workability, durability, and the format the customer actually needs.
Best uses for Breadnut
Best projects
Used for flooring, cabinetry, veneer, furniture and general construction.
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 Breadnut 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.
Breadnut FAQ
What is Breadnut best used for?
Used for flooring, cabinetry, veneer, furniture and general construction. Match it to the exact board format, colour, hardness, and finish plan before buying.
Is Breadnut 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 Breadnut?
The buying section on this page links to any Breadnut 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.