Maple lumber collection
Clean, pale domestic alternative for furniture and utility builds.
View optionSneezewood Wood Guide
Wood species guide · Imported specialty hardwood
Sneezewood 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 namePtaeroxylon obliquum
Janka hardness3,080 lbf
Average dried weight62.4 lb/ft³
Best fitFence posts
Overview
Why choose Sneezewood?
Sneezewood is an imported specialty hardwood. Its natural range is Southern Africa. Common uses include fence posts, exterior construction, furniture, xylophones, carving, small specialty pieces and turned work.
Scientific namePtaeroxylon obliquum
DistributionSouthern Africa
ShrinkageRadial: 3.6%, Tangential: 5.6%, Volumetric: 9.3%, T/R Ratio: 1.6 More images | Identification
DurabilityDecay resistance is very high, and resistance to insects and borers is excellent.
Sneezewood colour, grain, and figure
Heartwood begins as a medium red through dark reddish brown and ages to a calmer golden brown.
The grain is wavy, and the texture is fine and even, with a good natural shine.
Working notes
Density and wavy grain tend to make it hard to work, but it turns well.
As the name suggests, sneezewood contains a compound called nieshoutol, which is shown to set off violent sneezing in people processing it.
Sneezewood should be sold by project fit: colour, workability, durability, and the format the customer actually needs.
Best uses for Sneezewood
Best projects
Common uses include fence posts, exterior construction, furniture, xylophones, carving, small specialty pieces and turned work.
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 Sneezewood 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.
Sneezewood FAQ
What is Sneezewood best used for?
Common uses include fence posts, exterior construction, furniture, xylophones, carving, small specialty pieces and turned work. Match it to the exact board format, colour, hardness, and finish plan before buying.
Is Sneezewood 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 Sneezewood?
The buying section on this page links to any Sneezewood 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.