Maple lumber collection
Clean, pale domestic alternative for furniture and utility builds.
View optionMonkey Puzzle Wood Guide
Wood species guide · Domestic hardwood species
Monkey Puzzle 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 nameAraucaria araucana
Janka hardness400 lbf
Average dried weight33.4 lb/ft³
Best fitSmall specialty pieces
Overview
Why choose Monkey Puzzle?
Monkey Puzzle is a domestic hardwood species. Its natural range is Chile and Argentina; also grown as an ornamental tree. Common uses include small specialty pieces, turned items, pulpwood for paper, plywood and furniture.
Scientific nameAraucaria araucana
DistributionChile and Argentina; also grown as an ornamental tree
ShrinkageRadial: 5.0%, Tangential: 6.9%, Volumetric: 10.9%, T/R Ratio: 1.4 More images | Identification
DurabilityNot durable to perishable, with poor insect resistance.
Monkey Puzzle colour, grain, and figure
The heartwood is light brown, at times tinted yellow or red. The paler sapwood is not clearly defined.
The grain is typically straight and the texture is even, fine to medium. The sheen is moderate.
Working notes
Clear stock is easy with hand tools and machinery. Knotty areas cause trouble, with tearout or uneven sanding because the knots and surrounding wood differ in density.
Severe reactions seldom occur, but skin irritation has been reported from wood of the Araucaria genus.
Monkey Puzzle should be sold by project fit: colour, workability, durability, and the format the customer actually needs.
Best uses for Monkey Puzzle
Best projects
Common uses include small specialty pieces, turned items, pulpwood for paper, plywood 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 Monkey Puzzle 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.
Monkey Puzzle FAQ
What is Monkey Puzzle best used for?
Common uses include small specialty pieces, turned items, pulpwood for paper, plywood and furniture. Match it to the exact board format, colour, hardness, and finish plan before buying.
Is Monkey Puzzle 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 Monkey Puzzle?
The buying section on this page links to any Monkey Puzzle 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.