Maple lumber collection
Clean, pale domestic alternative for furniture and utility builds.
View optionMansonia Wood Guide
Wood species guide · Imported specialty hardwood
Mansonia 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 nameMansonia altissima
Janka hardness1,390 lbf
Average dried weight41.2 lb/ft³
Best fitTurned items
Overview
Why choose Mansonia?
Mansonia is an imported specialty hardwood. Its natural range is Tropical West Africa. Common uses include turned items, boatbuilding, furniture, cabinetry and veneer.
Scientific nameMansonia altissima
DistributionTropical West Africa
ShrinkageRadial: 4.6%, Tangential: 7.7%, Volumetric: 11.9%, T/R Ratio: 1.7 More images | Identification
DurabilityMansonia is very durable against decay and resists termites and other insects.
Mansonia colour, grain, and figure
The heartwood is yellowish or greyish brown with mostly plain figure. It lightens and fades when exposed to light.
The grain is generally straight, occasionally interlocked. The texture is even and fine to medium, with a moderate sheen.
Working notes
Apart from the harmful effects of its dust on health (see the safety notes), this wood is easy to work by hand or machine. It turns, glues and finishes well and bends well with steam.
Mansonia ranks among the worst woods for toxicity and for how often it triggers allergic reactions.
Mansonia should be sold by project fit: colour, workability, durability, and the format the customer actually needs.
Best uses for Mansonia
Best projects
Common uses include turned items, boatbuilding, 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 Mansonia 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.
Mansonia FAQ
What is Mansonia best used for?
Common uses include turned items, boatbuilding, furniture, cabinetry and veneer. Match it to the exact board format, colour, hardness, and finish plan before buying.
Is Mansonia 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 Mansonia?
The buying section on this page links to any Mansonia 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.