Bubinga Flooring: Features & Benefits

The bubinga—or African Rosewood—tree (Guibourtia Demeusei) is native to central Africa, especially Cameroon, Gabon, and the Ivory Coast. It grows near rivers or lakebeds, or any swampy area that is frequently flooded, and can reach heights of up to 150 feet with a diameter of six feet. Bubinga lumber is quite heavy, weighing between 50 and 60 pounds per cubic foot.

Once milled into flooring, bubinga exhibits a light reddish brown laced with red and purple veins. The grain is usually straight, although interlocked grain is often present as well. Over time, bubinga flooring will darken until it reaches a rich burgundy color. With a little effort, bubinga flooring can reach an impressive glossy finish for extra visual impact. Interior designers utilize bubinga’s rich look for both contrasting trim and complete floors. Either way, bubinga flooring will provide a lavish and sophisticated look to any room.

Bubinga flooring is very hard and dense, with a Janka Hardness rating of 1980, making it very durable and resistant to high traffic wear, scratching, and termite attack. In terms of durability, bubinga can hold its own with the best of hardwood flooring choices. Yet in spite of its toughness, bubinga is quite easy to work with. Hand and power tools will have little trouble manipulating the wood, although pre-drilling is recommended for nailing. Gum pockets present throughout the wood can make gluing very difficult. When sanding, cutting, or otherwise working with bubinga, you should wear a mask and long sleeves for protection, as bubinga dust has been found to cause possible allergic reactions.

When a bubinga log is found to have slightly irregular grain, it is usually rotary cut into veneers, resulting in a wild, almost flame-like pattern that is very attractive. Highly prized for its unique appearance, bubinga veneers manufactured this way are called Kevazingo.

Bubinga wood is readily available. Thanks to the bubinga tree’s size, wide boards are easy to come by. Pricing is reasonable, varying slightly based on quality and figure.

Bubinga flooring is a highly durable flooring option that is also very easy to install. Once completed, bubinga flooring will give any room a dash of exotic elegance that will last for many years.

View Bubinga flooring pictures and see why it's a great choice for modern interiors.