Bubinga

Specs

Common Names

Bubinga, Kevazingo

Scientific Name

Guibourtia spp. (G. demeusei, G. pellegriniana, G. tessmannii)

Origin

Equatorial Africa

Appearance

Heartwood ranges from a pinkish red to a darker reddish brown with darker purple or black streaks. Sapwood is a pale straw color and is clearly demarcated from the heartwood. Bubinga is very frequently seen with a variety of figure, including: pommele, flamed, waterfall, quilted, mottled, etc. Grain is straight to interlocked. Has a uniform fine to medium texture and moderate natural luster.

Avg. Dried Weight

Janka Hardness

2410 lbf

Modulus of Rupture

Elastic Modulus

Crushing Strength

Shrinkage

Durability

Workability

Easy to work overall, though depending upon the species Bubinga can have silica present, which can prematurely dull cutting edges. Also, on pieces with figured or interlocking grain, tearout can occur during planing or other machining operations. Gluing can occasionally be problematic due to Bubinga’s high density and natural oils. Turns and finishes well.