Bubinga

Scientific Name: Guibourtia demeusei

Other Names and Species: African Rosewood, Buvenga, Essingang, Kevazingo, Ovang, Waka

Origin: Central Africa

Appearance: A beautiful, dense hardwood with a lustrous appearance, bubinga has a rose-colored background with darker purple striping. This wood is usually very uniform in graining and color, and the texture is fine and even. When quarter-sawn, the figure of bubinga shows considerable "flame," while it exhibits attractive rosewood graining when flat-sawn. When fully aged, bubinga has a rich burgundy red color.

Properties: Bubinga is a moderatly durable wood. The sapwood is more permeable than the heartwood and so is less resistant to preservative treatment. It is resistant to termite attack.

Workability: Although bubinga works easily with hand or power tools, it can sometimes be difficult to glue because of gum pockets. For nailing, it is recommended that holes be pre-drilled. This wood stains easily and has excellent finishing properties. Care should be taken when sanding, as contact with the wood dust has been known to cause mild dermatitis.

Principal Uses: Commonly found as a veneer for cabinetwork, furniture, paneling, knife handles, and fancy goods, bubinga is also used for wood flooring and inlays wherever fine graining and a rich reddish color are desired.