Hardwood • Exotic Species

White Limba Wood Guide 2026

Terminalia superba

Prepared by Lumberama's Wood Species Team
|Sources & methodology
Last updated September 2026 · Reviewed by Lumberama Wood Species Team

Typically described as lightweight with light color and occasional figuring

Market Price Range

$6.00 – $12.00

per board foot

Exotic hardwood. African species. Popular for guitar bodies.

Prices are approximate market ranges and vary by grade, width, thickness, and region. Request a quote for current pricing.

Wood Appearance

White Limba natural grain

Natural Grain

White Limba finished surface

Finished Surface

Key Takeaways

  • Density: 45 lbs/ft³
  • Classification: Hardwood
  • Origin: Ivory Coast;Ghana
  • Common uses include Furniture, Cabinetry, Light paneling

Quick Facts

Janka Hardness
490 lbf
Density
45 lbs/ft³
Wood Type
Hardwood
Origin
Ivory Coast;Ghana
Price Range
N/A
SoftHard

Representative reference values — natural wood varies by growing region, moisture content and individual board.

Durability, Stability & Workability

Decay resistance
Non-Durable
Outdoor suitability
Not Recommended
Dimensional stability
Good

Texture: Texture is medium to fine and uniform.

Workability: It works easily with both hand and machine tools.

Fastening: Nails and screws well; pre-drilling generally not required.

Finishing: It finishes well and accepts stains and polishes without issue.

Color change: The pale yellow color tends to darken to a golden brown over time.

Insect resistance: It is susceptible to powder-post beetles and decay.

Ratings and published values are representative reference figures. Natural wood varies with growing region, moisture content and individual boards — treat them as guidance, not guarantees.

Common Sizes & Availability

Typical market availability for White Limba. Lumberama is a sourcing marketplace — actual stock, widths and lengths vary by supplier. Request a quote to confirm what's available for your project.

  • 4/4rough 1"
    Surfaced
    13/16" (3/4" common)
    Widths
    Available in random widths from 5 to 12 inches.
    Lengths
    Generally available in random lengths from 8 to 16 feet.
    Request this size →
  • 8/4rough 2"
    Surfaced
    1-3/4"
    Widths
    Available in random widths from 5 to 12 inches.
    Lengths
    Generally available in random lengths from 8 to 16 feet.
    Request this size →

Availability notes: Moderately available through exotic hardwood lumber dealers.

How lumber sizes are described
Rough (4/4, 8/4…)
Hardwood thickness in quarters of an inch as sawn, before surfacing. 4/4 = 1" rough.
Surfaced (S2S/S4S)
Thickness after planing. 4/4 typically finishes at 13/16" or 3/4".
Nominal vs. actual
Construction lumber is sold by nominal size; a 2x6 measures about 1-1/2" x 5-1/2".
Random width / length
Most hardwood is sold as it comes from the log — widths and lengths vary within a range rather than being fixed.

Color & Grain

Color: Light yellowish to cream; minimal dark streaks

Grain: Straight to interlocked; coarse texture

Common Uses

  • Furniture
  • Cabinetry
  • Light paneling

Key Characteristics

Also known as: Limba;Korina;White Korina

Availability: In Stock

Advantages

  • Janka indentation hardness: 490 lbf
  • Heartwood decay rating: Non-Durable
  • Sourced from Ivory Coast;Ghana

Considerations

  • Hardness does not establish decay resistance or structural design strength
  • Availability may vary

Frequently Asked Questions

Alternatives to Consider

Species commonly specified for similar applications when White Limba is unavailable or over budget.

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