Shittim Wood Guide

Wood species guide · Imported specialty hardwood

Shittim 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 nameVachellia seyal (syn.
Janka hardness1,150 lbf
Average dried weight41 lb/ft³
Best fitSee best uses below

Overview

Why choose Shittim?

Shittim is an imported specialty hardwood. Its natural range is Northern tropical Africa.

Scientific nameVachellia seyal (syn.
DistributionNorthern tropical Africa
ShrinkageRadial: 3.6%, Tangential: 5.8%, Volumetric: 9.5%, T/R Ratio: 1.6* *estimated values based on strength/shrinkage groups found in African Timbers

Shittim colour, grain, and figure

Working notes

Apart from the ordinary hazards of any wood dust, no other health effects are on record for shittim.

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

Best uses for Shittim

Best projects

Ask us which projects suit Shittim before you buy.

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 Shittim 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.

Shittim FAQ

What is Shittim best used for?

Ask us which projects suit Shittim before you buy. Match it to the exact board format, colour, hardness, and finish plan before buying.

Is Shittim 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 Shittim?

The buying section on this page links to any Shittim 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.