Maple lumber collection
Clean, pale domestic alternative for furniture and utility builds.
View optionLeopardwood Wood Guide
Wood species guide · Imported specialty hardwood
Leopardwood 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 nameRoupala montana (syn.
Janka hardness2,150 lbf
Average dried weight55 lb/ft³
Best fitTurned objects
Overview
Why choose Leopardwood?
Leopardwood is an imported specialty hardwood. Its natural range is Central and South America. Common uses include turned objects, guitars, fine furniture, cabinetry and veneer.
Scientific nameRoupala montana (syn.
DistributionCentral and South America
ShrinkageRadial: 3.5%, Tangential: 8.8%, Volumetric: 11.5%, T/R Ratio: 2.5
DurabilityMost species are said to be very durable against decay.
Leopardwood colour, grain, and figure
Its striking flecks give the wood its name. The base wood is reddish brown, medium to dark, with light brown or grey rays that look like leopard spots.
The texture is fairly coarse and the grain is straight.
Working notes
It is fairly hard to work, as it is dense and tends to tear out when planed. It glues and finishes well.
No harmful health effects are known for lacewood of the Roupala genus, but a number of different genera within the Proteaceae family have caused eye and skin irritation.
Leopardwood should be sold by project fit: colour, workability, durability, and the format the customer actually needs.
Best uses for Leopardwood
Best projects
Common uses include turned objects, guitars, fine furniture, cabinetry 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 Leopardwood 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.
Leopardwood FAQ
What is Leopardwood best used for?
Common uses include turned objects, guitars, fine furniture, cabinetry and veneer. Match it to the exact board format, colour, hardness, and finish plan before buying.
Is Leopardwood 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 Leopardwood?
The buying section on this page links to any Leopardwood 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.