Maple lumber collection
Clean, pale domestic alternative for furniture and utility builds.
View optionThuya Wood Guide
Wood species guide · Domestic hardwood species
Thuya 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 nameTetraclinis articulata
Janka hardness1,160 lbf
Average dried weight42 lb/ft³
Best fitDecorative boxes
Overview
Why choose Thuya?
Thuya is a domestic hardwood species. Its natural range is The Atlas mountain region, mainly Morocco, with smaller populations in southern Spain and Malta. Common uses include decorative boxes, carvings, veneer, small specialty pieces and turned work.
Scientific nameTetraclinis articulata
DistributionThe Atlas mountain region, mainly Morocco, with smaller populations in southern Spain and Malta
ShrinkageRadial: 4.5%, Tangential: 5.1%, Longitudinal: 3.3%, Volumetric: 12.9%, T/R Ratio: 1.1** **shrinkage values are for burl wood
DurabilityDecay resistance is good, and so is resistance to insects and borers.
Thuya colour, grain, and figure
The colour is generally orangish or reddish brown. With age it tends to deepen into a mid to dark reddish brown.
Burl blocks differ in the frequency and size of their knot clusters, but the grain is mostly swirled and irregular. The texture is medium to fine, with a good natural luster.
Working notes
Like most burls, thuya can be hard to work and calls for care so the grain does not tear out. Most shaping and planing tears the grain, so use hand tools with very sharp edges.
Serious reactions are unusual, but thuya is reported to irritate the eyes and skin.
Thuya should be sold by project fit: colour, workability, durability, and the format the customer actually needs.
Best uses for Thuya
Best projects
Common uses include decorative boxes, carvings, veneer, 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 Thuya 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.
Thuya FAQ
What is Thuya best used for?
Common uses include decorative boxes, carvings, veneer, small specialty pieces and turned work. Match it to the exact board format, colour, hardness, and finish plan before buying.
Is Thuya 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 Thuya?
The buying section on this page links to any Thuya 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.