Maple lumber collection
Clean, pale domestic alternative for furniture and utility builds.
View optionPheasantwood Wood Guide
Wood species guide · Imported specialty hardwood
Pheasantwood 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 nameSenna siamea (syn.
Janka hardness1,490 lbf
Average dried weight50 lb/ft³
Best fitSmall specialty pieces
Overview
Why choose Pheasantwood?
Pheasantwood is an imported specialty hardwood. Native to South and Southeast Asia; planted widely across the tropics. Common uses include small specialty pieces, carvings, turned items, and ukuleles and guitars.
Scientific nameSenna siamea (syn.
DistributionNative to South and Southeast Asia; planted widely across the tropics
ShrinkageRadial: ~4%, Tangential: ~7%, Volumetric: ~12%, T/R ratio: ~1.8
DurabilityRated durable, but insects attack it.
Pheasantwood colour, grain, and figure
The heartwood goes from medium to dark brown, even nearly black, with lighter brown stripes and at times a red or yellow tint. Very wide parenchyma bands cause the striping, which looks a lot like Wenge, but the stripes on Pheasantwood are lighter and contrast better, especially once finished.
The grain may be interlocked or wavy and the texture is coarse. Resinous material naturally fills the pores, so the surface is smoother than on similar woods with large, open pores.
Working notes
Gives moderately good results with hand tools and machinery, but it resists cutting strongly and dulls cutters heavily. It finishes, glues and turns well.
Powder found inside cavities in the wood can irritate eyes and skin and can discolour skin.
Pheasantwood should be sold by project fit: colour, workability, durability, and the format the customer actually needs.
Best uses for Pheasantwood
Best projects
Common uses include small specialty pieces, carvings, turned items, and ukuleles and guitars.
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 Pheasantwood 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.
Pheasantwood FAQ
What is Pheasantwood best used for?
Common uses include small specialty pieces, carvings, turned items, and ukuleles and guitars. Match it to the exact board format, colour, hardness, and finish plan before buying.
Is Pheasantwood 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 Pheasantwood?
The buying section on this page links to any Pheasantwood 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.