303.733.1292
800-692-WOOD(9663)
303.733.1292
800-692-WOOD(9663)
Botanical Name
Acacia koa
Other Common Names
Koa
Region
Oceania and S.E. Asia
Country
Hawaii [US]
The Tree
The trees are reported to be very hardy and can survive under almost any environmental condition. Under optimum growing conditions the trees reach 80 to 100 feet in height, with trunk diameters of 36 to 48 inches.
Appearance
The wavy and curly grain is moderate to severely interlocked. The wood usually has light and dark bands in the growth rings. The grain produces various attractive patterns, such as fiddleback and rainbow.
Properties
Koa has small, open pores and a medium to coarse texture. Grain is usually slightly interlocked, and sometimes wavy.
Working Properties
In most circumstances, Koa is easy to work, and sands well. However, figured wood, or pieces with heavily interlocked grain can be difficult to plane or machine without tearing or chipping of the grain; also, Koa can occasionally give problems in gluing, though this is somewhat uncommon. Koa turns, stains, and finishes well.
Uses
Veneer, furniture, cabinetry, musical instruments (especially guitars and ukuleles), canoes, gunstocks, carvings, bowls, and other turned/specialty wood objects.
Availability
With the tree endemic to Hawaii only, and with supplies dwindling, Koa is likely to be rather expensive. Also, boards of highly figured and/or curly Koa can command fantastic prices.