Bubinga Exotic Hardwood Lumber & Slabs

Bubinga (Guibourtia spp.) is an African hardwood with a reddish-brown to pink colour, often with interlocked grain that produces attractive figure including pommele (blister), quilted, and waterfall grain patterns. It has a Janka hardness of approximately 2690 and is significantly denser than most domestic hardwoods. Bubinga is used for furniture, cabinetry, musical instruments, turning, and decorative veneers.

Bubinga's interlocked grain produces several desirable figure types. Pommele bubinga has a blistered or shimmering surface appearance. Quilted bubinga shows a three-dimensional rippling effect. Waterfall bubinga shows elongated, flowing streaks. Flat-cut bubinga without significant figure shows a relatively uniform reddish-brown colour. The most figured pieces command premium prices and are used in high-end decorative furniture and instrument work.

Bubinga was listed on CITES Appendix II in 2017, which restricts but does not prohibit international trade in the species. Commercial trade requires documentation from the exporting country confirming legal harvest. This listing has affected availability and pricing of bubinga. Windsor Plywood sources exotic hardwoods from established suppliers with appropriate documentation. Contact your local branch for information on current bubinga availability.

Bubinga's density and natural oils respond well to penetrating oil finishes and hard wax oils. Film-forming finishes also work but require surface preparation to address the oily surface. Wipe the surface with mineral spirits before applying any finish to remove surface oils that would inhibit adhesion. Bubinga sands to a smooth surface that takes a high-quality finish result.

Windsor Plywood carries bubinga as a specialty exotic hardwood subject to current availability and CITES documentation requirements. Contact your local Windsor Plywood branch to confirm current stock and discuss your project requirements.