8/4 Teak Rough Sawn Lumber
Direct Kingma listing for Rhodesian Teak; inventory, lengths, and widths can rotate by variant.
View optionRhodesian Teak Wood Guide
Wood species guide · Imported specialty hardwood
Rhodesian Teak 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 nameBaikiaea plurijuga
Janka hardness2,990 lbf
Average dried weight56 lb/ft³
Best fitFretboards
Overview
Why choose Rhodesian Teak?
Rhodesian Teak is an imported specialty hardwood. Mostly Zimbabwe, once known as Rhodesia, plus other countries of southern Africa. Common uses include fretboards, turned objects, millwork, veneer and flooring.
Scientific nameBaikiaea plurijuga
DistributionMostly Zimbabwe, once known as Rhodesia, plus other countries of southern Africa
ShrinkageRadial: 2.6%, Tangential: 4.5%, Volumetric: 6.9%, T/R Ratio: 1.7
DurabilityVery durable with good insect resistance, though the sapwood tends to be attacked by insects.
Rhodesian Teak colour, grain, and figure
Black streaks often run through the medium reddish brown heartwood, and the sapwood is a sharply defined pale pinkish yellow.
The texture is fine and even, the luster low, and the grain straight to interlocked.
Working notes
Its high cutting resistance makes it difficult: it cuts slowly under the saw and habitually rides up over jointer knives. Its high silica content also blunts cutting edges severely.
Rhodesian Teak is reported to irritate the respiratory system, though severe reactions are rare.
Rhodesian Teak should be sold by project fit: colour, workability, durability, and the format the customer actually needs.
Best uses for Rhodesian Teak
Best projects
Common uses include fretboards, turned objects, millwork, veneer and flooring.
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 Rhodesian Teak 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.
Afromosia 4/4 Rough Sawn Lumber (African Teak)
Direct Kingma listing for Rhodesian Teak; inventory, lengths, and widths can rotate by variant.
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.
Rhodesian Teak FAQ
What is Rhodesian Teak best used for?
Common uses include fretboards, turned objects, millwork, veneer and flooring. Match it to the exact board format, colour, hardness, and finish plan before buying.
Is Rhodesian Teak 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 Rhodesian Teak?
The buying section on this page links to any Rhodesian Teak 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.