Maple lumber collection
Clean, pale domestic alternative for furniture and utility builds.
View optionIronwood Wood Guide
Wood species guide · Imported specialty hardwood
Ironwood 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 nameAndrostachys johnsonii
Janka hardness2,610 lbf
Average dried weight55.1 lb/ft³
Best fitOther small specialty items
Overview
Why choose Ironwood?
Ironwood is an imported specialty hardwood. Its natural range is Southeastern Africa and Madagascar, in mountain areas such as the Lebombo Mountains of Southern Africa. Common uses include other small specialty items, carvings, turned objects, heavy construction, furniture and flooring.
Scientific nameAndrostachys johnsonii
DistributionSoutheastern Africa and Madagascar, in mountain areas such as the Lebombo Mountains of Southern Africa
ShrinkageRadial: 5.9%, Tangential: 6.3%, Volumetric: 12.1%, T/R Ratio: 1.1 More images | Identification
DurabilityThe wood is very durable and resists insects and borers well.
Ironwood colour, grain, and figure
Light to golden brown heartwood with darker stripes. The pale yellow sapwood does not always stand apart from it.
Grain is mostly straight or slightly wavy.
Working notes
Lebombo ironwood works well in spite of its density. It dries slowly, though, and tends to check during the first stage of drying.
Apart from the usual risks of breathing any wood dust, Lebombo ironwood has not been linked to any specific health problems, possibly because it is fairly obscure.
Ironwood should be sold by project fit: colour, workability, durability, and the format the customer actually needs.
Best uses for Ironwood
Best projects
Common uses include other small specialty items, carvings, turned objects, heavy construction, 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 Ironwood 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.
Ironwood FAQ
What is Ironwood best used for?
Common uses include other small specialty items, carvings, turned objects, heavy construction, furniture and flooring. Match it to the exact board format, colour, hardness, and finish plan before buying.
Is Ironwood 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 Ironwood?
The buying section on this page links to any Ironwood 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.