Stinkwood

Ocotea bullata
• Also known as |
Black Stinkwood|Cape Walnut
Stinkwood lumber at Rare Woods USA

Black Stinkwood (Ocotea bullata), also called Cape Walnut, has been one of South Africa’s most treasured furniture woods for centuries, and antique Cape furniture made from it is highly collectible. It gets its unfortunate name from the sharp smell of freshly cut wood, which fades once the timber is dry.

The heartwood varies a lot, from almost black through dark brown to medium brown with a reddish tint, and the pale yellow sapwood is easy to spot. Its grain is fine, tight and usually straight, and its durability is often compared to Teak.

Despite its density, it’s surprisingly cooperative to work. It planes and turns cleanly, takes fine detail well and finishes beautifully, building a rich, deep natural luster with very little effort. Sharp tools and a light final pass give the best surface on darker, harder boards.

Stinkwood is a protected tree in South Africa, so supply is limited and good boards are always in demand. It remains a favorite of South African furniture makers, cabinetmakers and gunsmiths, and it’s used for fine furniture, cabinetry, joinery, gun stocks and specialty pieces.

Not listed in the CITES Appendices. It is a protected tree in South Africa and is assessed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

Why We Love This Wood

Don't let the name put you off. It's one of South Africa's most treasured furniture woods.

Client Creations
    Quick Look
    Stinkwood lumber at Rare Woods USA
    No items found
    A Popular Choice in
    Vital Statistics
    Main Color GroupDark Brown
    Grain Pattern Even
    Avg Dry Weight - LB/BF5.8
    Avg Dry Weight - KG/M31120
    Janka Hardness - LBF3220
    Janka Hardness - N14140
    PRE-CUT SIZES (Stinkwood)
    0 results

    Type

    Dimensions

    Grade

    Price

    No items found

    LUMBER PACKS (Stinkwood)
    0 results

    Title

    Qty

    Grade

    Price

    No items found
    SHOP ALL (Stinkwood)

    Browse SIMILAR lumber products by size, thickness, type or price

    Search With Filters
    Price
    Length
    Width
    Thickness
    Search
    Spoil your favorite “Wood Nutter” with a gift card from Rare Woods SA
    STINK1030_1
    STINK1030
    1"
    x 10" x
    41.25"
    | Grade: B
    Cracks. Knots with defects. Skip planed patches.

    $85.73

    STINK1028_1
    STINK1028
    1"
    x 9.63" x
    42.5"
    | Grade: AB
    Cracks. Skip planed patches.

    $96.30

    STINK1027_1
    STINK1027
    1"
    x 9.75" x
    42.5"
    | Grade: AB
    Cracks. Knots. Skip planed.

    $95.32

    STINK1026_1
    STINK1026
    1"
    x 7" x
    45.25"
    | Grade: AB
    Cracks. Worm tracks.

    $73.26

    STINK1023_1
    STINK1023
    1"
    x 7.75" x
    44.44"
    | Grade: AB
    Cracks. Defect in end. Worm tracks.

    $79.11

    STINK1022_1
    STINK1022
    1"
    x 6.19" x
    43.38"
    | Grade: AB
    Cracks. Worm tracks. Tearout.

    $64.32

    STINK1021_1
    STINK1021
    1"
    x 6.75" x
    43.44"
    | Grade: AB
    Cracks.

    $69.04

    STINK1018_1
    STINK1018
    1"
    x 12.5" x
    43.06"
    | Grade: AB
    Cracks. Knots. Tearout. Skip planed patches.

    $126.06

    STINK1012 1
    STINK1012
    1"
    x 14" x
    42.5"
    | Grade: C
    Cracked

    $132.95

    stinkwood
    ALSO AVAILABLE (Stinkwood)

    Description

    Grade

    UOM

    Price

    Stinkwood-Standard-4/4Lumber
    4/4 Lumber
    Standard
    bf
    25
    bf
    no