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 fitFlooring
Overview
Why choose Rhodesian Teak?
Rhodesian Teak is a imported specialty hardwood associated with Primarily Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia) and other countries in southern Africa. It is useful when the project calls for flooring, veneer, millwork, fretboards, and turned objects
For SEO and customer usefulness, this page separates the science from the buying decision: appearance, working behaviour, durability, project fit, and then the right Kingma shopping path.
Scientific nameBaikiaea plurijuga
DistributionPrimarily Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia) and other countries in southern Africa
ShrinkageRadial: 2.6%, Tangential: 4.5%, Volumetric: 6.9%, T/R Ratio: 1.7
DurabilityRated as very durable; good insect resistance, though sapwood is prone to insect attack.
Rhodesian Teak colour, grain, and figure
Expect heartwood is a medium reddish brown, commonly with black streaks. Sharply defined sapwood is a pale pinkish yellow.
In practical selection, the grain and texture are best treated this way: grain is straight to interlocked, with a fine, even texture and low natural luster.
Working notes
In the shop, can be difficult to work because of high cutting resistance—saws slowly, and has a tendency to ride up over jointer knives. Also, due to its high silica content, cutting edges become severely blunted.
Although severe reactions are quite uncommon, Rhodesian Teak has been reported cause respiratory irritation.
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
Flooring, veneer, millwork, fretboards, and turned objects
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?
Rhodesian Teak is best considered for flooring, veneer, millwork, fretboards, and turned objects. 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?
Use the buying section on this page. If an exact product is not listed, the linked alternatives are included only when they make practical sense for colour, grain, or project use.