Wenge rough sawn lumber
Dark exotic alternative for accent parts and premium contrast.
View optionBurmese Rosewood Wood Guide
Wood species guide · Imported specialty hardwood
Burmese Rosewood 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 nameDalbergia oliveri
Janka hardness2,710 lbf
Average dried weight59 lb/ft³
Best fitTurned objects
Overview
Why choose Burmese Rosewood?
Burmese Rosewood is an imported specialty hardwood. Mostly Myanmar (formerly Burma), plus neighbouring countries of southeast Asia. Common uses include turned objects, percussion instruments, flooring, furniture, plus other small specialty pieces.
Scientific nameDalbergia oliveri
DistributionMostly Myanmar (formerly Burma), plus neighbouring countries of southeast Asia
ShrinkageRadial: ~2%, Tangential: ~5%, Volumetric: ~7%
DurabilityVery durable against decay, with mixed resistance to insects.
Burmese Rosewood colour, grain, and figure
The heartwood runs from medium orange to a deeper reddish brown, at times with darker black streaks. The yellow sapwood is sharply set off from the heartwood.
Grain usually runs straight or slightly interlocked. The texture is medium-fine, with a good natural sheen.
Working notes
It is generally easy to work by hand or machine, but it can blunt edges fast. Take care when gluing and finishing, since the wood's natural oils can interfere with drying.
Serious reactions are rare, but rosewood from the Dalbergia genus, including Burmese rosewood, is a known sensitizer.
Burmese Rosewood should be sold by project fit: colour, workability, durability, and the format the customer actually needs.
Best uses for Burmese Rosewood
Best projects
Common uses include turned objects, percussion instruments, flooring, furniture, plus other small specialty pieces.
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 Burmese Rosewood 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.
Walnut 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.
Burmese Rosewood FAQ
What is Burmese Rosewood best used for?
Common uses include turned objects, percussion instruments, flooring, furniture, plus other small specialty pieces. Match it to the exact board format, colour, hardness, and finish plan before buying.
Is Burmese Rosewood 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 Burmese Rosewood?
The buying section on this page links to any Burmese Rosewood 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.