Bubinga

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Common names

Akume, Bubinga, Kevazingo

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Scientific Name

Guibourtia demeuseii

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Family

Fabaceae-Caesalpinioideae

 

Description

Bubinga is medium red-brown with lighter red to purple veining. The grain is straight or interlocked. In some logs the grain is very irregular and these are converted by peeling into rotary cut veneers called kevasingo. The texture is moderately coarse but even. Colour does darken with age. It is often referred to as an African rosewood, although technically NOT from the rosewood family. The wood is lustrous and scented when freshly cut.

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Density

(H=12%) : 0,92

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Treatability

Not permeable

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Seasoning

The timber dries easily except for gum exudation, with and high risk of distortion.

 

Stability

Poorly stable

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Durability

Durable to very durable. Bubinga is also reported to be resistant to termite and marine borer attack.

 

Workability

The wood is fairly easy to saw and work with both machine and hand tools, and it planes to a good finish. It polishes well and varnishes satisfactorily. It holds nails well and has good gluing properties. Good-quality veneer can be produced by slicing.

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End-Uses

• Cabinetwork (high class furniture)

• Sliced veneer

• Interior panelling

• Flooring

• Stairs (inside)

• Turned goods

 

• Current furniture or furniture components

• Interior joinery Seats

• Exterior joinery

• Sleepers

• Heavy carpentry

• Vehicle or container flooring