Maple lumber collection
Clean, pale domestic alternative for furniture and utility builds.
View optionSouthern Magnolia Wood Guide
Wood species guide · Domestic hardwood species
Southern Magnolia 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 nameMagnolia grandiflora
Janka hardness1,020 lbf
Average dried weight35 lb/ft³
Best fitGeneral utility wood
Overview
Why choose Southern Magnolia?
Southern Magnolia is a domestic hardwood species. Grows in the southeastern United States. Common uses include general utility wood, upholstered furniture frames, interior trim, plywood and veneer.
Scientific nameMagnolia grandiflora
DistributionGrows in the southeastern United States
ShrinkageRadial: 5.4%, Tangential: 6.6%, Volumetric: 12.3%, T/R Ratio: 1.2
DurabilityDecay resistance is poor, rated from non-durable to perishable, and insects can attack the wood.
Southern Magnolia colour, grain, and figure
The very wide sapwood is creamy white to grayish. The comparatively narrow heartwood is a medium to dark shade of brown, sometimes streaked in black, green or purple.
The grain is straight and the texture is even, medium to fine. The natural shine is moderate.
Working notes
Cutting by hand or machine is generally easy. It turns cleanly and takes stain, glue and finish well.
Serious reactions are uncommon, but Magnolia woods have caused reports of asthma-like symptoms and a runny nose.
Southern Magnolia should be sold by project fit: colour, workability, durability, and the format the customer actually needs.
Best uses for Southern Magnolia
Best projects
Common uses include general utility wood, upholstered furniture frames, interior trim, plywood and veneer.
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 Southern Magnolia 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.
Southern Magnolia FAQ
What is Southern Magnolia best used for?
Common uses include general utility wood, upholstered furniture frames, interior trim, plywood and veneer. Match it to the exact board format, colour, hardness, and finish plan before buying.
Is Southern Magnolia 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 Southern Magnolia?
The buying section on this page links to any Southern Magnolia 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.