Bubinga (Kevazingo)
Guibourtia demeusei • Hardwood, Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Straight to interlocked with a fine even texture. Visible vessels/pores appearing as reddish-brown streaks in the longitudinal grain.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a pinkish red to a darker reddish brown with darker purple or black streaks. Sapwood is a pale straw color. The wood darkens with age and light exposure, maintaining a medium to high natural luster.
Hardness Rating
2,410 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to rot, termites, and powder post beetle attacks.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, veneer, flooring, knife handles, turned objects, and heavy construction in its native range.
Geographic Origin
Equatorial Africa (Cameroon, Gabon, Congo)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$15.00 - $25.00 per board foot for standard boards; significantly higher for 'Kevazingo' (waterfall) figured veneer.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled to recently seasoned lumber (less than 5 years) based on the vibrant color saturation and lack of significant oxidation or surface wear.
Sustainability Status
Listed in CITES Appendix II and on the IUCN Red List as Near Threatened. FSC certification is available but limited.
Workability
Generally easy to work, though interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing. High oil content can sometimes affect gluing. It tends to dull cutting edges due to high density.
Notable Features
Distinctive, unpleasant scent when freshly cut which disappears after drying. Known for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and is often used as a substitute for Rosewood.
Finish Recommendations
Responds well to most finishes. Polyurethane, lacquer, or oils are recommended. Highly lustrous when polished; may require wiping with a solvent like acetone before gluing to remove surface oils.
Identification Confidence
High. The characteristic reddish-purple hue combined with the specific pore structure and grain density is highly indicative of the Guibourtia genus, specifically African Bubinga.