Maple lumber collection
Clean, pale domestic alternative for furniture and utility builds.
View optionWest African albizia Wood Guide
Wood species guide · Imported specialty hardwood
West African albizia 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 nameAlbizia ferruginea
Janka hardness1,020 lbf
Average dried weight37.7 lb/ft³
Best fitTurned objects
Overview
Why choose West African albizia?
West African albizia is an imported specialty hardwood. Grows in tropical Africa. Common uses include turned objects, veneer and furniture.
Scientific nameAlbizia ferruginea
DistributionGrows in tropical Africa
ShrinkageRadial: 2.7%, Tangential: 4.6%, Volumetric: 7.4%, T/R Ratio: 1.7 More images | Identification
DurabilityModerately durable, but poor resistance to insects.
West African albizia colour, grain, and figure
The heartwood is golden brown and often banded with lighter and darker wood, set against a contrasting pale yellow sapwood.
Interlocked grain is typical, along with a coarse texture and good natural luster.
Working notes
It is fairly easy to work, although interlocked grain can tear out when surfacing. Turning, gluing and finishing all go well.
West African albizia is reported to irritate the eyes and airways, along with nose bleeds, giddiness, pink eye and nausea, although severe reactions are rare.
West African albizia should be sold by project fit: colour, workability, durability, and the format the customer actually needs.
Best uses for West African albizia
Best projects
Common uses include turned objects, veneer and furniture.
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 West African albizia 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.
West African albizia FAQ
What is West African albizia best used for?
Common uses include turned objects, veneer and furniture. Match it to the exact board format, colour, hardness, and finish plan before buying.
Is West African albizia 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 West African albizia?
The buying section on this page links to any West African albizia 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.