4/4 Makassar Ebony Rough Sawn Lumber
Direct Kingma listing for Brown Ebony; inventory, lengths, and widths can rotate by variant.
View optionBrown Ebony Wood Guide
Wood species guide · Imported specialty hardwood
Brown Ebony 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 nameLibidibia paraguariensis (=Caesalpinia paraguariensis)
Janka hardness3,590 lbf
Average dried weight72 lb/ft³
Best fitUsed mainly for turned objects
Overview
Why choose Brown Ebony?
Brown Ebony is an imported specialty hardwood. Its natural range is Semi-arid parts of South America. Used mainly for turned objects, and for heavy construction in the tree's home range.
Scientific nameLibidibia paraguariensis (=Caesalpinia paraguariensis)
DistributionSemi-arid parts of South America
ShrinkageRadial: 4.5%, Tangential: 7.7%, Volumetric: 12.7%, T/R Ratio: 1.7
DurabilityIt is rated very durable but is open to insect attack.
Brown Ebony colour, grain, and figure
Dark brown heartwood sometimes has a reddish tint. Pale yellow sapwood stands out sharply against the heartwood.
The grain may be straight, irregular or interlocked, with an even texture, medium to coarse, and moderate natural shine.
Working notes
Generally difficult to work, since it is dense and the grain is irregular. Lathe work suits it well, and it turns and finishes nicely.
Brown Ebony can cause skin irritation, though serious reactions are rare.
Brown Ebony should be sold by project fit: colour, workability, durability, and the format the customer actually needs.
Best uses for Brown Ebony
Best projects
Used mainly for turned objects, and for heavy construction in the tree's home range.
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 Brown Ebony 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.
Wenge rough sawn lumber
Dark exotic alternative for accent parts and premium contrast.
View optionWalnut lumber collection
Practical dark premium alternative when the project needs easier machining.
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.
Brown Ebony FAQ
What is Brown Ebony best used for?
Used mainly for turned objects, and for heavy construction in the tree's home range. Match it to the exact board format, colour, hardness, and finish plan before buying.
Is Brown Ebony 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 Brown Ebony?
The buying section on this page links to any Brown Ebony 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.