Maple lumber collection
Clean, pale domestic alternative for furniture and utility builds.
View optionNarra Wood Guide
Wood species guide · Imported specialty hardwood
Narra 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 namePterocarpus indicus
Janka hardness1,260 lbf
Average dried weight41 lb/ft³
Best fitSmall specialty pieces
Overview
Why choose Narra?
Narra is an imported specialty hardwood. Its natural range is Southeast Asia. Common uses include small specialty pieces, turned items, plywood, boatbuilding, cabinetry, furniture and veneer.
Scientific namePterocarpus indicus
DistributionSoutheast Asia
ShrinkageRadial: 2.8%, Tangential: 4.0%, Volumetric: 6.9%, T/R Ratio: 1.4
DurabilityNarra weathers well and generally has very high decay resistance.
Narra colour, grain, and figure
The heartwood varies widely, from golden yellow to reddish brown. The pale yellow sapwood is sharply separated from it.
Grain is typically interlocked and occasionally wavy. The texture is uneven, medium to coarse, with a good sheen.
Working notes
Easy to work by hand or machine. Its main drawback is a moderate dulling effect on cutters, and it finishes, glues and turns well.
Severe reactions seldom occur, but Narra is reported to be an irritant. The usual reactions are skin and respiratory irritation or asthma-like symptoms.
Narra should be sold by project fit: colour, workability, durability, and the format the customer actually needs.
Best uses for Narra
Best projects
Common uses include small specialty pieces, turned items, plywood, boatbuilding, cabinetry, furniture 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 Narra 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.
Narra FAQ
What is Narra best used for?
Common uses include small specialty pieces, turned items, plywood, boatbuilding, cabinetry, furniture and veneer. Match it to the exact board format, colour, hardness, and finish plan before buying.
Is Narra 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 Narra?
The buying section on this page links to any Narra 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.