Maple lumber collection
Clean, pale domestic alternative for furniture and utility builds.
View optionChichipate Wood Guide
Wood species guide · Imported specialty hardwood
Chichipate 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 nameLeptolobium panamense (often listed under older genus classifications, such as Sweetia or Acosimum)
Janka hardness2,150 lbf
Average dried weight62.7 lb/ft³
Best fitBeams
Overview
Why choose Chichipate?
Chichipate is an imported specialty hardwood. Grows from Mexico into northern South America. Common uses include beams, bridges, such as railroad ties, plus heavy exterior construction needing little machining, veneer, turned objects, furniture and flooring.
Scientific nameLeptolobium panamense (often listed under older genus classifications, such as Sweetia or Acosimum)
DistributionGrows from Mexico into northern South America
ShrinkageRadial: 5.3%, Tangential: 10.1%, Volumetric: 14.8%, T/R Ratio: 1.9 More images | Identification
DurabilityThe wood is rated very durable and resists insects well.
Chichipate colour, grain, and figure
Medium brown to deeper reddish brown heartwood, sometimes streaked. The pale yellow sapwood contrasts with it.
The grain is usually interlocked or roey. The texture is medium, with a good natural shine.
Working notes
Relatives such as Bowdichia and Diplotropis are harder going. Chichipate is said to be easier even though it is dense and the grain is interlocked.
Serious reactions are uncommon, but chichipate has caused reports of skin irritation.
Chichipate should be sold by project fit: colour, workability, durability, and the format the customer actually needs.
Best uses for Chichipate
Best projects
Common uses include beams, bridges, such as railroad ties, plus heavy exterior construction needing little machining, veneer, turned objects, furniture and flooring.
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 Chichipate 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.
Chichipate FAQ
What is Chichipate best used for?
Common uses include beams, bridges, such as railroad ties, plus heavy exterior construction needing little machining, veneer, turned objects, furniture and flooring. Match it to the exact board format, colour, hardness, and finish plan before buying.
Is Chichipate 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 Chichipate?
The buying section on this page links to any Chichipate 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.