Bubinga

Material Type:
Hardwood

Also Called:
African Rosewood, Essingang, Akume, Buvenga, Waka, Ovang, Okweni; Veneers Are Marketed As Kavasingo, Kevazingo, Essingang, Ebana, Oveng

Durability Notes:
Bubinga is a moderately durable wood. Has some resistant to marine borers but vulnerable to the common furniture beetle. The heartwood is resistant to preservative treatment, the sapwood is less so.

Seasoning:
The drying and seasoning of Bubinga is dependant on a number of factors; the speed in which it is processed after felling and logging, the method of drying and the specific kilns or location (if air dried). Generally the care taken by those processing the wood will have an impact on its drying and seasoning. As an overview; Bubinga - It seasons well with little impact on the grade and quality of the wood, but gum can cause problems. Slow seasoning is advised to prevent distortion and checking. It is stable in service. Please note that all wood is liable to move when in service plus there can be dimensional change. The extent of this will depend on; the stability of the species itself, the conditions it is exposed to, the coating, decoration and protection. You will find more information about the suitability of this wood, for any proposed application, by using our interactive system and the filters shown.

Properties:
Bubinga works well with both hand and machine tools, through irregular grain may lift during planing or moulding - a low cutting angle should be used. It has a tolerable to severe blunting effect, because it contains silica. Nailing and screwing require pre-drilling and gum pockets may make gluing challenging. It takes stain easily and can be sanded and polished to an excellent finish.

Typical Uses:
Furniture, Cabinetry, Musical Instruments, Turnery, Veneer, Boatbuilding, Flooring, Paneling.

Moisture Content:
Guide - 12-18% for KD

Possible Health Risks:
Dermatitis and possible skin lesions

Commonly asked questions about Bubinga Wood

Is Bubinga a hardwood or a softwood? Bubinga is a hardwood. It is the same for; is Bubinga hardwood or softwood? - Bubinga is a hardwood.

Most groups/families of species share the same characteristics but this normally relates to their life as plants. Individual species do not always share the same characteristics as their relatives, in terms of the wood. Many factors influence how we use the wood and what we use it for, including where it grows, how it is forested, how it seasons/dries, etc. The answers to the following common questions, therefore relate to this particular species/wood and not the Bubinga family as a whole. Even more specific – our answers relate to the wood (as we know it) in its form as a useable resource.

What colour is Bubinga? Bubinga can be described as brown, dark brown, dark red, red

Is Bubinga good for outdoor use? or is Bubinga good for exterior use? Bubinga is most suited for internal/interior use. Bubinga should not be used as an exterior/external timber (without treatment).

Whether the wood is naturally durable or not we would still recommend that it is decorated and/or coated with a suitable product to provide protection and/or maintain its appearance. This even applies when using the wood internally as, even subtle, changes in temperature or humidity will affect the wood. This will depend on the application/purpose of the wood and the user’s desired appearance. We also recommend that a recoating, care and maintenance programme is adhered to, for the life of an exterior wood. Wood cannot rot if it is kept dry – coatings and decoration can provide this protection. All of that said there are many durable timbers that are often left to weather naturally and will last for many years untreated/coated – movement and visual changes will occur but this is sometimes the desired effect. All wood is hygroscopic (it 'wants' to be in tune with its environment) it will therefore take on water from moisture in the air (or when directly exposed to or submerged in water) and ‘release it’ when dry or exposed to heat. This, inevitably, results in movement and dimensional change. For more about moisture in wood please click here - Moisture in wood

No suitable uses for this timber have been found. This database is constantly updated and uses for this timber will be added in the future.