Black Limba (Korina)
Terminalia superba
Black Limba is a medium-weight hardwood with straight grain and fine texture, valued for high-end furniture, musical instruments, and decorative veneers.
Janka
Price Tier
Dent Risk
High
Overview
Black Limba, commonly known as Korina, is a West African hardwood characterized by dark, irregular streaks running through its pale yellow heartwood. These streaks are the result of a specific fungus that attacks the tree while it is still standing, leaving behind mineral-like deposits in the grain without compromising the wood’s structural integrity. While it shares the same physical properties as White Limba, this variety is sorted specifically for its high-contrast figure.
It is a medium-weight wood that is easy to machine and glue. The wood is highly stable, meaning it resists warping and cupping better than many other tropical hardwoods. This stability makes it a reliable choice for electric guitar bodies, cabinet doors, and fine furniture. Because the wood is not overly dense, it machines cleanly without the significant tool wear or tear-out often associated with highly figured exotic species.
Key takeaways
- High dimensional stability;
- Fungal-induced black streaking;
- Great feature wood.
At a Glance
Hardness & Heft
Color & Figure
Color: Tan with dark streaks
Stability & Movement
Drying: Checking
Workability
Plays nice with
- Natural black streaks
- Often has pin holes
- Stable Lumber
Fights you on
- Open Pores Filling
- Tearout Around Grain
- Color Variation
Finishing
- Surface Prep: 120-180-220; fill holes
- Blotch Risk: Low
- Pores: Open (fill if needed)
Best Uses
Great for
- Guitar bodies
- Accent panels
- Statement furniture
Avoid for
- Zero-defect projects
- Outdoor exposure
- Thin veneer-only plans
Where it comes from
Buying notes
- Sold As: Lumber, turning stock, instrument blanks
- Look For: Strong streaks on show faces, minimal tearout-prone interlock
What to Watch Out For
- Pin holes
- Worm tracks
- Occasional checks
Practical Alternatives
- White Limba
- Koa
- Zebrawood
Shop Notes / Deeper Dive
Black Limba wood machines easily due to its medium density but requires sharp cutters to prevent surface fuzzing. It is a highly stable wood that glues well, though its relatively soft surface can mar if clamping pressure is excessive. The open-pored grain requires a filler for high-gloss finishes, and because the wood is a known sensitizer, active dust collection and respiratory protection are mandatory during all shop operations.
Like what you see?
While I occasionally work with some of these species, availability varies widely. If you’re researching woods for a custom project, feel free to reach out.
Reference Notes: Wood grain and color can vary significantly within a species depending on growing conditions, age, and cut orientation. Images on this page are provided as general reference examples and may not represent every possible variation of the species. Geographic distribution maps illustrate typical native or commonly cultivated ranges and may not reflect every region where the species occurs today.
Additional technical data and botanical information may be referenced from sources such as the USDA Forest Products Laboratory Wood Handbook.