Maple lumber collection
Clean, pale domestic alternative for furniture and utility builds.
View optionPau Ferro Wood Guide
Wood species guide · Imported specialty hardwood
Pau Ferro 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 nameMachaerium spp.
Janka hardness1,960 lbf
Average dried weight54 lb/ft³
Best fitSmall specialty pieces
Overview
Why choose Pau Ferro?
Pau Ferro is an imported specialty hardwood. Its natural range is Tropical South America, chiefly Brazil and Bolivia. Common uses include small specialty pieces, turning, interior trim, flooring, cabinetry, musical instruments and veneer.
Scientific nameMachaerium spp.
DistributionTropical South America, chiefly Brazil and Bolivia
ShrinkageRadial: 2.8%, Tangential: 6.7%, Volumetric: 9.9%, T/R Ratio: 2.4 More images | Identification
DurabilityRated very durable, but insects attack it readily and it is not advised for direct ground contact.
Pau Ferro colour, grain, and figure
Colour varies widely, running reddish orange to dark violet brown, usually crossed by contrasting black streaks. The narrow sapwood is pale yellow and sharply separated from the heartwood.
The grain is typically straight but may be somewhat irregular or interlocked, depending upon the species. The texture is fine and even with a naturally high sheen, though in some species it turns rougher and more fibrous.
Working notes
Workability is fair overall, since it can dull cutting edges and irregular grain tends to tear out in machining. Gluing is difficult in much the same ways as with rosewoods.
Severe reactions seldom occur, but pau ferro is reported as a sensitizer.
Pau Ferro should be sold by project fit: colour, workability, durability, and the format the customer actually needs.
Best uses for Pau Ferro
Best projects
Common uses include small specialty pieces, turning, interior trim, flooring, cabinetry, musical instruments 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 Pau Ferro 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.
Pau Ferro FAQ
What is Pau Ferro best used for?
Common uses include small specialty pieces, turning, interior trim, flooring, cabinetry, musical instruments and veneer. Match it to the exact board format, colour, hardness, and finish plan before buying.
Is Pau Ferro 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 Pau Ferro?
The buying section on this page links to any Pau Ferro 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.