Fijian Kauri Wood Guide

Wood species guide · Domestic hardwood species

Fijian Kauri 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 nameAgathis macrophylla (syn.
Janka hardness840 lbf
Average dried weight34.3 lb/ft³
Best fitTurned objects

Overview

Why choose Fijian Kauri?

Fijian Kauri is a domestic hardwood species. Its natural range is Fiji, Vanuatu and the Santa Cruz Islands, where it is native; also plantation-grown across the Pacific Islands. Common uses include turned objects, vats, kitchen utensils, cabinetry, furniture and boatbuilding.

Scientific nameAgathis macrophylla (syn.
DistributionFiji, Vanuatu and the Santa Cruz Islands, where it is native; also plantation-grown across the Pacific Islands
ShrinkageRadial: 5.3%, Tangential: 7.9%, Volumetric: 13.2%, T/R Ratio: 1.5 More images | Identification
DurabilityDecay resistance is poor, rated from non-durable to perishable.

Fijian Kauri colour, grain, and figure

Heartwood is a pale yellowish white and the sapwood does not separate clearly from it. Because the trees grow so large, the lumber is almost always clear of knots, so very little goes to waste.

The grain is usually straight. Texture is fine and even, with a moderate natural shine.

Working notes

Moderate density and straight, consistent grain make kauri easy to work. Most machining and shaping jobs go smoothly.

Apart from the usual risks of breathing any wood dust, kauri has not been linked to any specific health problems.

Fijian Kauri should be sold by project fit: colour, workability, durability, and the format the customer actually needs.

Best uses for Fijian Kauri

Best projects

Common uses include turned objects, vats, kitchen utensils, cabinetry, furniture and boatbuilding.

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 Fijian Kauri 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.

Kingma option

Maple lumber collection

Clean, pale domestic alternative for furniture and utility builds.

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Kingma option

Live edge slabs

Use when the customer cares more about slab format and visual impact than this exact species.

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Similar 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.

Fijian Kauri FAQ

What is Fijian Kauri best used for?

Common uses include turned objects, vats, kitchen utensils, cabinetry, furniture and boatbuilding. Match it to the exact board format, colour, hardness, and finish plan before buying.

Is Fijian Kauri 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 Fijian Kauri?

The buying section on this page links to any Fijian Kauri 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.