. KOA
Botanical Name: Acacia koa Hawaii’s principal timber, koa has for centuries been used fora wide range of construction and woodworking applications. It grows almost anywhere on the islands, from sea level to mountain top. Perhaps most famous for its use in ukuleles and guitars, the wood is becoming increasingly scarce due to its limited natural range. Its use in continental North America is primarily as a veneer, which often features a stunning fiddleback figure. Other Name: Hawaiian mahogany.
Source: Hawaiian Islands.
Characteristics: Interlocked, often curly or wavy grain; medium texture; reddish to dark brown with dark lines and markings.
Uses: High-grade furniture and cabinetwork, musical instruments, interior joinery, gunstocks and veneers. Workability: Generally good; blunts cutters moderately; reduce blade cutting angle when shaping or planing curly grain; medium bending properties.
Finishing: Accepts finishes very well.
Weight: 41 Ib./cu. ft.
Price: Expensive.
