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 fitTurned items
Overview
Why choose New Zealand kauri?
New Zealand kauri is a domestic hardwood species. Its natural range is New Zealand. Common uses include turned items, guitars and other musical instruments, veneer, cabinetry, furniture and boatbuilding.
Scientific nameAgathis australis
DistributionNew Zealand
ShrinkageRadial: 4.1%, Tangential: 6%, Volumetric: 11.3%, T/R Ratio: 1.5 More images | Identification
DurabilityDurable against decay, outperforming other Agathis species, and powder post beetles do not attack it.
New Zealand kauri colour, grain, and figure
The heartwood runs from pale yellowish white up to golden brown. The sapwood is usually the same colour.
The grain is usually straight, the texture is fine and even, and the sheen is moderate.
Working notes
Moderate density and straight, even grain make it work well. Most machining and shaping goes smoothly.
Apart from the usual hazards of breathing any wood dust, kauri has no other reported health reactions.
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
Common uses include turned items, guitars and other musical instruments, veneer, cabinetry, furniture and boatbuilding.
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?
Common uses include turned items, guitars and other musical instruments, veneer, cabinetry, furniture and boatbuilding. 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?
The buying section on this page links to any New Zealand kauri 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.