Maple lumber collection
Clean, pale domestic alternative for furniture and utility builds.
View optionLeadwood Wood Guide
Wood species guide · Imported specialty hardwood
Leadwood 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 nameCombretum imberbe
Janka hardness3,570 lbf
Average dried weight76 lb/ft³
Best fitSmall specialty pieces
Overview
Why choose Leadwood?
Leadwood is an imported specialty hardwood. Ranges northward from South Africa to Tanzania. Common uses include small specialty pieces, turned items, furniture and carving.
Scientific nameCombretum imberbe
DistributionRanges northward from South Africa to Tanzania
ShrinkageRadial: 2.0%, Tangential: 4.7%, Volumetric: 6.8%, T/R Ratio: 2.4* *Strength and shrinkage values are for the closely related Combretum schumannii
DurabilityReported as very durable, with outstanding insect resistance and weathering performance.
Leadwood colour, grain, and figure
Heartwood is a deep, rich reddish brown through dark brown and deepens with age. The sapwood is pale yellow and sharply separated from it.
Knots and other irregularities in the grain occur often. The texture is fine and even.
Working notes
Generally hard to work because of its density, and sharp cutters are needed to prevent tearout. Gluing and finishing can also be troublesome.
No specific reports exist for Combretum imberbe, but other Combretum species, particularly C., have drawn health reports.
Leadwood should be sold by project fit: colour, workability, durability, and the format the customer actually needs.
Best uses for Leadwood
Best projects
Common uses include small specialty pieces, turned items, furniture and carving.
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 Leadwood 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.
Leadwood FAQ
What is Leadwood best used for?
Common uses include small specialty pieces, turned items, furniture and carving. Match it to the exact board format, colour, hardness, and finish plan before buying.
Is Leadwood 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 Leadwood?
The buying section on this page links to any Leadwood 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.