Maple lumber collection
Clean, pale domestic alternative for furniture and utility builds.
View optionGreenheart Wood Guide
Wood species guide · Imported specialty hardwood
Greenheart 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 nameChlorocardium rodiei
Janka hardness2,530 lbf
Average dried weight63 lb/ft³
Best fitOther turned items
Overview
Why choose Greenheart?
Greenheart is an imported specialty hardwood. Its natural range is Northeastern South America (mainly Guyana and Suriname). Common uses include other turned items, pool cues, fishing rods, posts, decking, docks and boatbuilding.
Scientific nameChlorocardium rodiei
DistributionNortheastern South America (mainly Guyana and Suriname)
ShrinkageRadial: 8.2%, Tangential: 8.9%, Volumetric: 16.5%, T/R Ratio: 1.1 More images | Identification
DurabilityGreenheart is rated very durable with excellent resistance to insects and borers.
Greenheart colour, grain, and figure
Heartwood colour varies a lot, and it is at times sold graded into white, yellow, brown and black categories, although strength and physical properties do not seem to differ between colours. Most heartwood is a pale brown or olive green, at times with darker streaks.
The grain is straight to interlocked. The texture is fine to medium with good natural luster.
Working notes
It is somewhat hard to work because of its density and dulls cutters moderately to heavily. Machine interlocked sections carefully to prevent tearout.
Serious reactions are rare, but greenheart is reported as a sensitizer.
Greenheart should be sold by project fit: colour, workability, durability, and the format the customer actually needs.
Best uses for Greenheart
Best projects
Common uses include other turned items, pool cues, fishing rods, posts, decking, docks 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 Greenheart 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.
Greenheart FAQ
What is Greenheart best used for?
Common uses include other turned items, pool cues, fishing rods, posts, decking, docks and boatbuilding. Match it to the exact board format, colour, hardness, and finish plan before buying.
Is Greenheart 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 Greenheart?
The buying section on this page links to any Greenheart 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.