4/4 Makassar Ebony Rough Sawn Lumber
Direct Kingma listing for Ceylon Ebony; inventory, lengths, and widths can rotate by variant.
View optionCeylon Ebony Wood Guide
Wood species guide · Imported specialty hardwood
Ceylon 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 nameDiospyros ebenum
Janka hardness2,430 lbf
Average dried weight57 lb/ft³
Best fitInlay
Overview
Why choose Ceylon Ebony?
Ceylon Ebony is an imported specialty hardwood. Grows in Southeast Asia. Common uses include inlay, carving, turned objects and musical instrument parts such as piano keys, bridges and nuts.
Scientific nameDiospyros ebenum
DistributionGrows in Southeast Asia
ShrinkageRadial: 5.4%, Tangential: 8.8%, Volumetric: 14.3%, T/R Ratio: 1.6
DurabilityThe black portions of heartwood resist decay very well.
Ceylon Ebony colour, grain, and figure
The heartwood is jet black, occasionally marked by dark brown or grey streaks, and the pale yellow sapwood is sharply separated from it.
Grain is typically straight, sometimes irregular. Texture is fine and uniform, and natural luster is high.
Working notes
Hard to work overall, given its density and the way it dulls cutting tools. Drying can be tricky, with checks and other defects developing.
Ebonies in the Diospyros genus are reported sensitizers, although severe reactions are rare.
Ceylon Ebony should be sold by project fit: colour, workability, durability, and the format the customer actually needs.
Best uses for Ceylon Ebony
Best projects
Common uses include inlay, carving, turned objects and musical instrument parts such as piano keys, bridges and nuts.
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 Ceylon 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.
Ceylon Ebony FAQ
What is Ceylon Ebony best used for?
Common uses include inlay, carving, turned objects and musical instrument parts such as piano keys, bridges and nuts. Match it to the exact board format, colour, hardness, and finish plan before buying.
Is Ceylon 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 Ceylon Ebony?
The buying section on this page links to any Ceylon 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.