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by Eric Meier
There's just something within human nature that loves to see things ordered and ranked: we want a champion. One might watch a basketball game, where the two teams battle back and forth in lock-step into double overtime, only to have the winning team go ahead by a single basket at the buzzer. Did this necessarily determine who the better team truly was? Maybe, maybe not; but we need finality, we need separation, we need a champion.
With this intrinsic urge in mind, I've compiled a top ten list of the heaviest woods in the world. Keep in mind that wood density can vary by an average of plus or minus 10% between samples (called the coefficient of variation), so
it's entirely possible that a sample of the tenth-ranked wood on this list could easily weigh more than a sample of the first ranked wood on this list. Some of these species weigh, on average, only a few tenths of a pound more per cubic foot than their nearest rivals: certainly no conclusive ranking should be inferred from the list. But nonetheless, we want
someone to take home the gold medal—we need a champion crowned—so here are the top ten heaviest woods in the world:
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| | (Bulnesia arborea)
Sometimes called Argentine Lignum Vitae, this wood is a gem: inexpensive, great olive-green color, beautiful feathery grain pattern, and it takes a great natural polish on the lathe. |
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| | (Dalbergia cearensis)
Kingwood supposedly got its name from several French kings (Louis XIV and Louis XV) that preferred the wood in the use of fine furniture. |
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| | (Olneya tesota)
This wood is a hobbyist favorite. Too small to be a viable timber tree, this wood's colorful grain and high density are restricted to small specialty projects. |
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| | (Brosimum guianense)
It's easy to see what makes Snakewood so unique–its patterns and markings resemble the skin of a snake. Limited supply and high demand make this one of the most expensive woods on earth! |
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| | (Combretum imberbe)
Another exceptionally hard African wood, the name says it all. Leadwood is seldom seen for sale, and is reported to be protected in South Africa–a very elusive timber. |
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| | (Schinopsis spp.)
From the Spanish "quebrar hacha," which literally means "axe breaker." Aptly named, wood in the Schinopsis genus is among the heaviest and hardest in the world. |
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| | (Guaiacum officinale)
Widely accepted as the heaviest wood in the world–this wood has been listed as an endangered species and is listed in CITES. Consider Verawood as a very close substitute. |
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| | (Dalbergia melanoxylon)
In some parts of the world, this wood has achieved an almost legendary status. Historical evidence points to this wood (rather than Diospyros spp.) being the original "ebony." |
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| | (Prosopis kuntzei)
This small South American tree could be considered a super-mesquite. Related to mesquite, it's very dark, very dense, and very hard; a good substitute for ebony. |
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| | (Krugiodendron ferreum)
Pieces are very seldom seen for sale, as this tree is too small to produce commercially viable lumber. Like the unrelated Desert Ironwood, Black Ironwood is an excellent choice for small turning projects. |