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 fitPrimarily for turned objects; also used for heavy construction within its natural range
Overview
Why choose Brown Ebony?
Brown Ebony is a imported specialty hardwood associated with Semi-arid regions of South America. It is useful when the project calls for primarily for turned objects; also used for heavy construction within its natural range
For SEO and customer usefulness, this page separates the science from the buying decision: appearance, working behaviour, durability, project fit, and then the right Kingma shopping path.
Scientific nameLibidibia paraguariensis (=Caesalpinia paraguariensis)
DistributionSemi-arid regions of South America
ShrinkageRadial: 4.5%, Tangential: 7.7%, Volumetric: 12.7%, T/R Ratio: 1.7
DurabilityRated as very durable, though susceptible to insect attack.
Brown Ebony colour, grain, and figure
Expect heartwood is a dark brown, sometimes with a reddish hue. Pale yellow sapwood is clearly demarcated from heartwood.
In practical selection, the grain and texture are best treated this way: grain is straight to irregular or interlocked. Uniform medium to coarse texture, with moderate natural luster.
Working notes
In the shop, generally difficult to work on account of its high density and irregular grain. Brown Ebony is well suited to lathe work, and turns and finishes well.
Although severe reactions are quite uncommon, Brown Ebony has been reported to cause skin irritation.
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
Primarily for turned objects; also used for heavy construction within its natural 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?
Brown Ebony is best considered for primarily for turned objects; also used for heavy construction within its natural 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?
Use the buying section on this page. If an exact product is not listed, the linked alternatives are included only when they make practical sense for colour, grain, or project use.