Maple lumber collection
Clean, pale domestic alternative for furniture and utility builds.
View optionKentucky Coffeetree Wood Guide
Wood species guide · Domestic hardwood species
Kentucky Coffeetree 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 nameGymnocladus spp., Gymnocladus dioicus
Janka hardness1,390 lbf
Average dried weight42 lb/ft³
Best fitUtility lumber
Overview
Why choose Kentucky Coffeetree?
Kentucky Coffeetree is a domestic hardwood species. Its natural range is Eastern North America. Common uses include utility lumber, fence posts, cabinetry and furniture.
Scientific nameGymnocladus spp., Gymnocladus dioicus
DistributionEastern North America
ShrinkageRadial: 4.1%, Tangential: 7.6%, Volumetric: 11.9%, T/R Ratio: 1.9
DurabilityReports of decay resistance range from moderate to very high, and the wood is said to do well in contact with the ground.
Kentucky Coffeetree colour, grain, and figure
Heartwood is orange to reddish brown. The sapwood is yellowish white, very narrow and sharply defined against the heartwood.
The wood is porous and straight-grained, with a coarse and uneven texture.
Working notes
Coffeetree works well, and almost every machining operation gives good, predictable results. Gluing, staining and finishing all go well.
Apart from the usual hazards of wood dust, no other health effects are known for Coffeetree.
Kentucky Coffeetree should be sold by project fit: colour, workability, durability, and the format the customer actually needs.
Best uses for Kentucky Coffeetree
Best projects
Common uses include utility lumber, fence posts, 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 Kentucky Coffeetree 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.
Kentucky Coffeetree FAQ
What is Kentucky Coffeetree best used for?
Common uses include utility lumber, fence posts, cabinetry and furniture. Match it to the exact board format, colour, hardness, and finish plan before buying.
Is Kentucky Coffeetree 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 Kentucky Coffeetree?
The buying section on this page links to any Kentucky Coffeetree 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.