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Clean, pale domestic alternative for furniture and utility builds.
View optionImbuia Wood Guide
Wood species guide · Imported specialty hardwood
Imbuia 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 nameOcotea porosa (syn.
Janka hardness970 lbf
Average dried weight41 lb/ft³
Best fitTurned objects
Overview
Why choose Imbuia?
Imbuia is an imported specialty hardwood. Its natural range is Southern Brazil. Common uses include turned objects, gunstocks, boatbuilding, veneer, flooring, cabinetry and furniture.
Scientific nameOcotea porosa (syn.
DistributionSouthern Brazil
ShrinkageRadial: 3.0%, Tangential: 6.4%, Volumetric: 9.5%, T/R Ratio: 2.1
DurabilityThe wood is durable, and moderately resistant to insects.
Imbuia colour, grain, and figure
The heartwood colour varies a lot, but it is generally a mid to dark brown that may lean reddish, golden or olive. The light greyish yellow sapwood normally stands apart from the heartwood.
The grain is straight, although many boards show wild or burl-like patterns. The texture is even and medium to fine with good natural luster.
Working notes
Hand and machine tools give good results. Boards whose grain is wild or irregular can be tricky when surfacing or machining.
Serious reactions are rare, but imbuia is reported to irritate the nose, throat and skin.
Imbuia should be sold by project fit: colour, workability, durability, and the format the customer actually needs.
Best uses for Imbuia
Best projects
Common uses include turned objects, gunstocks, boatbuilding, veneer, flooring, cabinetry and furniture.
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 Imbuia 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.
Imbuia FAQ
What is Imbuia best used for?
Common uses include turned objects, gunstocks, boatbuilding, veneer, flooring, cabinetry and furniture. Match it to the exact board format, colour, hardness, and finish plan before buying.
Is Imbuia 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 Imbuia?
The buying section on this page links to any Imbuia 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.