Maple lumber collection
Clean, pale domestic alternative for furniture and utility builds.
View optionChechen Wood Guide
Wood species guide · Domestic hardwood species
Chechen 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 nameMetopium brownei
Janka hardness2,400 lbf
Average dried weight55.0 lb/ft³
Best fitSmall specialty items
Overview
Why choose Chechen?
Chechen is a domestic hardwood species. Its natural range is Southeastern Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Jamaica, Cuba and the Dominican Republic. Common uses include small specialty items, turned objects, flooring, cabinetry, furniture and veneer.
Scientific nameMetopium brownei
DistributionSoutheastern Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Jamaica, Cuba and the Dominican Republic
ShrinkageRadial: 3.8%, Tangential: 6.8%, Volumetric: 10.6%, T/R Ratio: 1.6 More images | Identification
DurabilityThe wood is very durable with moderate resistance to most insects.
Chechen colour, grain, and figure
Heartwood varies widely in colour, mixing reds, oranges and browns with stripes of a deeper blackish brown. Over time it shifts toward a darker, redder brown.
The grain is typically straight, though it can turn wild or interlocked. The texture is even and medium to fine with good natural luster.
Working notes
It is fairly easy to work, although machining interlocked pieces may cause tearout. Gluing and finishing both go well, but it is dense and splits readily, so pre-drill for nails and screws.
Serious reactions are rare, but chechen is reported as a sensitizer.
Chechen should be sold by project fit: colour, workability, durability, and the format the customer actually needs.
Best uses for Chechen
Best projects
Common uses include small specialty items, turned objects, flooring, cabinetry, furniture and veneer.
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 Chechen 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.
Chechen FAQ
What is Chechen best used for?
Common uses include small specialty items, turned objects, flooring, cabinetry, furniture and veneer. Match it to the exact board format, colour, hardness, and finish plan before buying.
Is Chechen 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 Chechen?
The buying section on this page links to any Chechen 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.