Wood Species Guide
Bubinga
Guibourtia demeusei, G. pellegriniana and G. tessmannii
Also called: Kevazingo (rotary-cut veneer), African Rosewood, Essingang, Waka, Akume
About the name “Bubinga”
Sold as African rosewood too, but it is not a true rosewood, and the name is used for other African woods as well.
What Bubinga looks like
Pinkish red to reddish brown with darker purple or brown lines. It deepens to a richer brown over time. Figure is common, including pommele, waterfall and flame patterns that can look three-dimensional under finish.
Grain and texture
Straight to interlocked grain with a fine to medium texture and good luster. Figured boards have wild grain that changes direction across the face.
Working Bubinga: planing, cutting and gluing
Hard and heavy but machines well with sharp tools. Interlocked or figured grain will tear out on a planer, so use a helical head or a drum sander for final thickness. It can have small gum pockets, so wipe glue surfaces with acetone before glue-up.
Finishing Bubinga: oil, film finishes and epoxy
Takes oil and film finishes well and polishes beautifully. Wipe resinous spots with acetone before epoxy or film finishes so nothing interferes with the cure, then use a thin seal coat. Hardwax oil brings out figure without making it look plastic.
Durability, stability and Florida humidity
Moderately durable to durable against decay, though less resistant to insects. It moves more than you might expect, so don't trap it in tight frames. In Florida humidity, give big tops room to move with slotted fasteners.
Shop notes from our Fort Myers shop
We stock bubinga lumber. It's dense, heavy and gorgeous, and figured pieces make some of the best tabletops and bar tops around. Because it's hard to plane figure without tearout, we often flatten wide stock on the CNC and finish by sanding. Ask for the CITES paperwork on any big bubinga slab you buy anywhere; reputable sellers have it.
Common uses for Bubinga
Fine furniture and tabletops, veneer, turnings, musical instruments (especially bass guitars) and decorative accents.
Sustainability and CITES status
The three bubinga species are listed in CITES Appendix II, so international trade needs permits. On the IUCN Red List, G. pellegriniana and G. tessmannii are listed as Endangered and G. demeusei as Near Threatened.
Safety and toxicity
- Skin irritation
Bubinga can irritate the skin, and skin lesions have been reported with heavy handling. Airway problems are not commonly reported.
- In the shop
- Dust collection + mask; gloves when handling a lot of it
- Food contact
- Use with care for cutting boards, bowls and utensils
General information, not medical advice. See a doctor if you have a reaction.
Bubinga has been reported to cause skin irritation and occasional skin lesions. Wear gloves when handling a lot of it, plus a dust mask when cutting or sanding.
Bubinga in stock now
Want to see them in person? Book a slab & lumber visit.
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4/4 BubingaRough Sawn Lumber
Regular price $20.34 USDRegular price
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