Maple lumber collection
Clean, pale domestic alternative for furniture and utility builds.
View optionJelutong Wood Guide
Wood species guide · Imported specialty hardwood
Jelutong 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 nameDyera costulata
Janka hardness390 lbf
Average dried weight28 lb/ft³
Best fitPatternmaking
Overview
Why choose Jelutong?
Jelutong is a imported specialty hardwood associated with Malaysia, Borneo, and various regions in southeast Asia. It is useful when the project calls for patternmaking, carving, and other small specialty wood items
For SEO and customer usefulness, this page separates the science from the buying decision: appearance, working behaviour, durability, project fit, and then the right Kingma shopping path.
Scientific nameDyera costulata
DistributionMalaysia, Borneo, and various regions in southeast Asia
ShrinkageRadial: 2.3%, Tangential: 5.5%, Volumetric: 6.2%, T/R Ratio: 2.4
DurabilityGenerally rated as non-durable to perishable regarding decay resistance, and also susceptible to insect attack.
Jelutong colour, grain, and figure
Expect heartwood color initially almost white, darkening to a yellowish brown color with age. Sapwood isn’t clearly distinguished from heartwood.
In practical selection, the grain and texture are best treated this way: grain is usually straight, or occasionally interlocked. With a uniform medium to fine texture and good natural luster.
Working notes
In the shop, jelutong’s low density make it very easy to work with both hand and machine tools. Some gum buildup may occur on cutting tools, but overall results are good.
Although severe reactions are quite uncommon, Jelutong has been reported to cause skin irritation.
Jelutong should be sold by project fit: colour, workability, durability, and the format the customer actually needs.
Best uses for Jelutong
Best projects
Patternmaking, carving, and other small specialty wood items
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 Jelutong 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.
Jelutong FAQ
What is Jelutong best used for?
Jelutong is best considered for patternmaking, carving, and other small specialty wood items. Match it to the exact board format, colour, hardness, and finish plan before buying.
Is Jelutong 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 Jelutong?
Use the buying section on this page. If an exact product is not listed, the linked alternatives are included only when they make practical sense for colour, grain, or project use.