Find Your Store
Windsor Plywood has been a trusted source for specialty lumber and hardwoods across western Canada for decades. Our specialty lumber selection goes well beyond standard framing grades, offering premium domestic and imported hardwood species suited for fine furniture making, custom cabinetry, architectural millwork, and decorative woodworking projects of all scales. Species available include hard maple, red oak, white oak, walnut, cherry, birch, alder, poplar, and a rotating selection of exotic and figured hardwoods depending on current inventory. In addition to solid hardwood lumber, we carry live edge slabs, figured wood for tabletops and accent pieces, and hardwood plywood in species to match. Windsor Plywood staff are knowledgeable about the properties and working characteristics of each species and can help you select the right material for your specific application. Visit your local Windsor Plywood to browse current specialty lumber stock and discuss your project with our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is bubinga and what are its characteristics?
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.
What figure patterns are found in bubinga?
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.
Is bubinga CITES-listed?
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.
What finish works well on bubinga?
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.
Does Windsor Plywood stock bubinga?
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.