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Few woods capture attention quite like Black Limba. With its bold streaks, golden hues, and feathery grain patterns, this African hardwood turns ordinary projects into works of art. Yet despite its exotic beauty, it is remarkably approachable, easy to work, lightweight, and stable.
Whether you are crafting guitars, statement furniture, or decorative panels, Black Limba Lumber offers the perfect blend of visual drama and gentle temperament. At The Knotty Lumber Co., we stock hand selected Black Limba boards, turning blanks, and craft pieces that highlight this wood’s natural artistry, because sometimes, nature really does outdo design.
Black Limba (Terminalia superba) is a tropical hardwood native to West and Central Africa, particularly Ghana and the Ivory Coast. It comes from the same species as White Limba, but with one key distinction, Black Limba features dramatic dark streaks and contrasting heartwood figure that make it prized for decorative use.
Known locally as Akom, this species is lightweight yet surprisingly strong for its density. It is often compared to Mahogany or Koa in tone and texture but offers a distinctly unique look, with smoky grain lines that seem hand painted across its surface.
Black Limba is one of those rare woods that can make a project stand out instantly without stains or dyes.
• Heartwood: light golden or yellow brown base, often with deep black or dark brown streaks.
• Sapwood: pale white or cream, sometimes blending softly into the heartwood.
• Grain: straight to interlocked with medium to coarse texture.
• Figure: natural ribboning or variegated patterns that create striking visual contrast.
Every board of Black Limba is unique. Some show subtle waves, while others feature intense dark veining perfect for bookmatched panels or live edge slabs.
Despite its exotic origin, Black Limba is exceptionally easy to work with, making it one of the most user friendly tropical hardwoods.
• Janka Hardness: approximately six hundred seventy lbf, similar to Mahogany.
• Density: medium light, offering an excellent strength to weight ratio.
• Workability: excellent, it machines, sands, and glues easily.
• Turning: produces a fine, clean finish on the lathe.
• Finishing: accepts oils and clear coats beautifully, the grain comes alive under satin or gloss finishes.
The only caution is its interlocked grain, which may produce slight tear out if planed against the grain. A sharp blade or fine sanding takes care of it quickly.
Black Limba is not a background wood. It is a centerpiece material. Makers love it for high impact, visually expressive projects that showcase its wild character.
• Furniture and cabinetry
• Guitar bodies and other musical instruments
• Decorative veneers and inlays
• Live edge slabs and table tops
• Turned objects and sculptural pieces
• Accent walls and fine joinery
Because of its lightweight stability and warm tone, it is also a top choice for custom guitar builders and interior designers who want something different from traditional Mahogany or Walnut.
Some of the advantages of Black Limba lumber include:
• Distinctive grain pattern, instantly recognizable streaks that command attention.
• Lightweight and stable, easy to work, transport, and machine with minimal warping.
• Excellent workability, cuts, glues, and finishes cleanly, suitable for most experience levels.
• Warm tone and texture, a perfect natural finish wood that rarely needs stain.
• Sustainable availability, responsibly harvested from managed forests in West Africa.
Black Limba delivers the look of luxury with the workability of a domestic hardwood, making it a versatile choice for artisans and builders.
While Black Limba is forgiving to work with, there are a few characteristics to consider.
• Porous grain, may need filler for ultra smooth or high gloss finishes.
• Colour variation, each board differs dramatically, so plan ahead for matching sets.
• Scent, fresh cuts produce a faint, musky odor that some describe as earthy.
• Sensitivity to ultraviolet light, like most light woods, prolonged sun exposure can mellow the contrast slightly.
These traits are minor compared to its benefits, and for most woodworkers they simply add to Black Limba’s charm.
Finishing is where this species truly shines. Because its natural colour and grain are already so striking, most makers choose clear finishes to preserve and enhance the contrast.
• Danish Oil or Tung Oil, deepens contrast and enriches tone without significantly darkening the wood.
• Clear polyurethane or lacquer, protects the surface while keeping colours crisp.
• Epoxy coating, ideal for live edge tables or bar tops.
• Wax finishes, add subtle luster for fine furniture.
Avoid heavy stains, as they tend to obscure the natural streaking that makes Black Limba special. Transparent finishes that focus on clarity and depth will highlight its pattern best.
Although they come from the same tree species, the visual difference between Black and White Limba is dramatic.
|
Feature |
Black Limba |
White Limba |
|
Colour |
Golden brown with dark streaks |
Pale yellow to light tan |
|
Grain |
More contrast and figure |
More uniform and subdued |
|
Density |
Slightly heavier |
Slightly lighter |
|
Aesthetic |
Bold and dramatic |
Clean and modern |
|
Common Use |
Guitars, feature panels, and statement furniture |
Cabinets, veneers, and minimalist builds |
Both are beautiful, but Black Limba is the clear choice when your design calls for natural drama and individuality.
When sourcing Black Limba, visual selection is everything. Each board tells its own story, and no two pieces look alike.
• Choose for figure, look for balanced streaks and golden undertones.
• Kiln dried material, ensures dimensional stability.
• Inspect the ends, properly sealed boards are less likely to check or crack.
• Surface quality, light planing reveals colour depth and pattern variation.
At The Knotty Lumber Co., our Black Limba Lumber is:
• Kiln dried and surfaced for consistent machining
• Graded by colour contrast and figure quality
• Available in rough stock, surfaced four sides material, and turning blank formats
• Responsibly sourced and individually inspected
Whether you are building a signature furniture piece or a show quality guitar body, we supply Black Limba that makes a powerful statement.
Fun Fact: The Musician’s Favorite
Black Limba gained global fame as one of the signature tonewoods for electric guitars. The legendary Gibson Flying V and Explorer models from the nineteen fifties were built from Limba, marketed under the name Korina. Today, that golden era wood remains one of the most sought after options for its resonant, balanced sound and stunning appearance.
Q: Does Black Limba need to be stained?
No. Its natural colour is already dramatic. Most woodworkers use clear oil or polyurethane to showcase its figure.
Q: Is Black Limba a hardwood or softwood?
It is a tropical hardwood, although it is lighter and easier to work with than very dense exotics such as Wenge or Padauk.
Q: Can Black Limba be used for outdoor projects?
Not recommended. It is best suited for interior applications where its colour and grain can be protected.
Q: Does Black Limba darken over time?
Yes, slightly. The golden base tones deepen while the dark streaks mellow over the years.
Q: Is it safe to work with?
Yes. However, as with any exotic hardwood, wear a dust mask when sanding to avoid mild respiratory irritation.
Black Limba Lumber is a reminder that not all beauty needs embellishment. Its smoky streaks, golden tones, and forgiving workability make it one of the most rewarding exotics a woodworker can use.
From showpiece guitars to one of a kind furniture, it brings nature’s artwork into every project, unmistakably bold and effortlessly refined.
At The Knotty Lumber Co., we proudly offer hand selected Black Limba boards, turning blanks, and slabs, chosen for their distinct character and consistent performance. When you want a wood that speaks for itself, Black Limba is an excellent choice.
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