Quebracho Wood Guide

Wood species guide · Imported specialty hardwood

Quebracho 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 nameSchinopsis lorentzii (syn.
Janka hardness3,530 lbf
Average dried weight75.3 lb/ft³
Best fitSince it is so hard to work

Overview

Why choose Quebracho?

Quebracho is an imported specialty hardwood. Its natural range is South America, mainly Bolivia, Paraguay and Argentina. Since it is so hard to work, quebracho tends to be used with little processing.

Scientific nameSchinopsis lorentzii (syn.
DistributionSouth America, mainly Bolivia, Paraguay and Argentina
ShrinkageRadial: 3.8%, Tangential: 6.0%, Volumetric: 10.3%, T/R Ratio: 1.6 More images | Identification
DurabilityQuebracho is rated very durable and resists insects.

Quebracho colour, grain, and figure

The heartwood is typically a reddish brown in a light to medium shade, in places with darker blackish streaks. Long exposure to light darkens it.

The texture is fine and even with a high sheen. The grain is often irregular, roey and interlocked.

Working notes

Hard to work due to density and irregular grain. It resists cutting strongly and dulls cutters heavily.

Severe reactions seldom occur, but quebracho is reported as a sensitizer.

Quebracho should be sold by project fit: colour, workability, durability, and the format the customer actually needs.

Best uses for Quebracho

Best projects

Since it is so hard to work, quebracho tends to be used with little processing.

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 Quebracho 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.

Kingma option

Maple lumber collection

Clean, pale domestic alternative for furniture and utility builds.

View option
Kingma option

Live edge slabs

Use when the customer cares more about slab format and visual impact than this exact species.

View option

Similar 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.

Quebracho FAQ

What is Quebracho best used for?

Since it is so hard to work, quebracho tends to be used with little processing. Match it to the exact board format, colour, hardness, and finish plan before buying.

Is Quebracho 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 Quebracho?

The buying section on this page links to any Quebracho 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.