Maple lumber collection
Clean, pale domestic alternative for furniture and utility builds.
View optionKoto Wood Guide
Wood species guide · Imported specialty hardwood
Koto 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 namePterygota macrocarpa
Janka hardness940 lbf
Average dried weight37 lb/ft³
Best fitFurniture
Overview
Why choose Koto?
Koto is an imported specialty hardwood. Its natural range is West Africa. Used for furniture, plywood and veneer.
Scientific namePterygota macrocarpa
DistributionWest Africa
ShrinkageRadial: 5.1%, Tangential: 10.6%, Volumetric: 15.0%, T/R Ratio: 2.1
DurabilityNot durable, with poor resistance to insects.
Koto colour, grain, and figure
The heartwood is pale yellow and differs little from the sapwood. Ray fleck can show on quartersawn faces.
The grain is straight to slightly interlocked, with a moderately coarse texture.
Working notes
It works well, although pieces with interlocked grain may tear out. It takes glue, stain and finish well.
Severe reactions seldom occur, but skin irritation has been reported from Koto.
Koto should be sold by project fit: colour, workability, durability, and the format the customer actually needs.
Best uses for Koto
Best projects
Used for furniture, plywood and veneer.
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 Koto 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.
Koto FAQ
What is Koto best used for?
Used for furniture, plywood and veneer. Match it to the exact board format, colour, hardness, and finish plan before buying.
Is Koto 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 Koto?
The buying section on this page links to any Koto 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.