Maple lumber collection
Clean, pale domestic alternative for furniture and utility builds.
View optionNew Zealand kauri Wood Guide
Wood species guide · Domestic hardwood species
New Zealand kauri 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 nameAgathis australis
Janka hardness730 lbf
Average dried weight34 lb/ft³
Best fitBoatbuilding
Overview
Why choose New Zealand kauri?
New Zealand kauri is a domestic hardwood species associated with New Zealand. It is useful when the project calls for boatbuilding, furniture, cabinetry, veneer, musical instruments (guitars), and turned objects
For SEO and customer usefulness, this page separates the science from the buying decision: appearance, working behaviour, durability, project fit, and then the right Kingma shopping path.
Scientific nameAgathis australis
DistributionNew Zealand
ShrinkageRadial: 4.1%, Tangential: 6%, Volumetric: 11.3%, T/R Ratio: 1.5 More images | Identification
DurabilityRated as durable regarding decay resistance (better than other Agathis species); not susceptible to powder post beetle attack.
New Zealand kauri colour, grain, and figure
Expect pale yellowish white to golden brown heartwood. Sapwood typically same color as heartwood.
In practical selection, the grain and texture are best treated this way: grain is usually straight, with a fine, even texture and a moderate natural luster.
Working notes
In the shop, kauri’s moderate density, along with its straight and consistent grain give it good workability. Most machining and shaping operations can be performed with a minimum of trouble.
Besides the standard health risks associated with any type of wood dust, no further health reactions have been associated with kauri.
New Zealand kauri should be sold by project fit: colour, workability, durability, and the format the customer actually needs.
Best uses for New Zealand kauri
Best projects
Boatbuilding, furniture, cabinetry, veneer, musical instruments (guitars), and turned objects
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 New Zealand kauri 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.
New Zealand kauri FAQ
What is New Zealand kauri best used for?
New Zealand kauri is best considered for boatbuilding, furniture, cabinetry, veneer, musical instruments (guitars), and turned objects. Match it to the exact board format, colour, hardness, and finish plan before buying.
Is New Zealand kauri 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 New Zealand kauri?
Use the buying section on this page. If an exact product is not listed, the linked alternatives are included only when they make practical sense for colour, grain, or project use.