Bubinga wood is generally denser and heavier than walnut wood, which can make it more challenging to work with. However, its density makes it more durable and resistant to wear and tear.
If we compare the texture, Bubinga wood has a fine to medium texture, while walnut wood has a medium to coarse texture.
Bubinga Wood
Bubinga wood, also known as African rosewood, comes from several species of trees in the genus Guibourtia, which are native to Africa. It is a very dense and strong wood. Several species of Bubinga have similar properties.
Bubinga hardwood is a popular choice for high-end furniture, cabinetry, and musical instruments.
Walnut Wood
Walnut wood is a type of hardwood that comes from trees of the Juglans genus. There are several species of walnut trees, but the two species most famous for woodworking are black walnut and English walnut. Walnut wood is moderately durable and strong, making it suitable for furniture and musical instruments.
Black walnut is native to North America and has a rich, dark brown color, while English walnut is native to Eastern Europe and Western Asia. It has a lighter, more golden-brown color.
| Bubinga Wood | Walnut Wood | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Guibourtia spp. | Juglans |
| Tree Size | 130-150 feet (40-45 meters) tall | 70-80 feet (22-25 meters) tall |
| Janka Hardness | 2,410 lbf (10,720 N) | 1,220 lbf (5,410 N) (English Walnut) |
| Average weight | 56 lbs/ft3 (890 kg/m3) | 40 lbs/ft3 (640 kg/m3) (English Walnut) |
| Workability | Easy to work | Easy to work |
| Rot-Resistant | Not rot resistant | Moderately resistant to rot |
Bubinga Wood Uses
Bubinga wood is a popular choice for various woodworking projects due to its strength, durability, and natural rot resistance. Bubinga wood is widely used for veneer, inlays, high-end furniture, cabinetry, turnings, architectural millwork, knife handles, and other specialty items.
Bubinga wood is an excellent choice for making guitar bodies, basses, and drums due to its tonal qualities and ability to produce a bright, focused sound.
Walnut Wood Uses
Walnut is a popular hardwood for various woodworking applications, such as furniture, veneer, flooring, millwork, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, and musical instruments.
Appearance
The heartwood of Bubinga wood ranges from pinkish-red to dark reddish-brown with black streaks, and the sapwood is pale straw-colored. It has a fine to medium texture with a straight or interlocked grain pattern.
Walnut wood can range from light brown to medium brown in color with dark streaks. Walnut wood has a medium to coarse texture with a straight or irregular grain pattern.
Bubinga wood darkens with age; on the other hand, walnut wood becomes lighter over time.
Workability
Generally, Bubinga wood is easy to work with, but it also depends on the species of Bubinga. Due to its interlocking and irregular grain, there may be problems such as tearout during planing or other machining operations.
To work with Bubinga wood, you must use sharp and proper tools; otherwise, you may experience tearout.
Walnut wood is easy to work with. It finishes very well and gives excellent results. Its irregular or interlocked grain can cause problems for beginners.
Hardness
Generally, the density and weight of Bubinga are greater than those of walnut wood, but the hardness and other physical properties depend on the species.
The Janka hardness of Bubinga and walnut wood is shown in the table below so that you can compare their hardness.
| Wood Species | Janka Hardness |
|---|---|
| New Guinea Walnut | 910 lbf (4,040 N) |
| African Walnut | 940 lbf (4,180 N) |
| Peruvian Walnut | 960 lbf (4,250 N) |
| Black Walnut | 1,010 lbf (4,490 N) |
| Claro Walnut | 1,130 lbf (5,030 N) |
| English Walnut | 1,220 lbf (5,410 N) |
| Bastogne Walnut | 1,250 lbf (5,560 N) |
| Queensland Walnut | 1,670 lbf (7,380 N) |
| Bubinga | 2,410 lbf (10,720 N) |
Rot and Insect Resistance
Regarding rot resistance, both Bubinga and walnut wood are known for their durability and resistance to decay. Still, Bubinga wood is moderately resistant to insects and rot, while walnut wood is highly resistant to rot but susceptible to insect attack.
Walnut is one of the most popular woods for interior woodworking projects such as furniture and flooring, but it is unsuitable for exterior applications.
Overall, both Bubinga and walnut are relatively rot-resistant woods that can be used for various products. However, exterior sealing is recommended for outdoor use.
Durability
Both Bubinga and walnut are durable hardwoods, but Bubinga is generally harder and denser than walnut. This greater density gives Bubinga excellent resistance to wear and makes it suitable for demanding applications.
Walnut is also strong and durable and is particularly popular for furniture and interior woodworking because of its combination of strength, workability, and attractive appearance.
Bubinga vs Walnut: Which Is Harder?
Bubinga is significantly harder than most commonly used walnut species. Bubinga has a Janka hardness of around 2,410 lbf (10,720 N), while English walnut is around 1,220 lbf (5,410 N).
This means Bubinga is more resistant to dents and wear. However, its greater hardness and density can also make it more challenging to cut and shape.
Bubinga vs Walnut: Which Is Better for Furniture?
Both woods are excellent choices for furniture, but the better option depends on your requirements.
Bubinga is a good choice when you want a dense, hard wood with a distinctive appearance and excellent durability. It is particularly suitable for high-end and specialty furniture.
Walnut is a popular choice for furniture because it is relatively easy to work with, has an attractive color and grain, and provides good durability.
For general furniture projects, walnut is often easier to work with, while Bubinga is a good choice for premium projects where hardness and a distinctive appearance are important.
Bubinga vs Walnut: Which Is More Expensive?
The price of Bubinga and walnut depends on factors such as species, quality, board size, grain pattern, availability, and location.
Bubinga is generally considered a premium hardwood and can be more expensive than common walnut. Highly figured Bubinga boards can command particularly high prices because of their distinctive grain patterns.
Walnut is also a valuable hardwood, especially when the boards have high-quality grain, attractive color, or unusual figure.
Allergies
Both kinds of wood have been reported to cause skin irritation, and walnut has been reported as a sensitizer. So, be careful while working with these woods.
FAQs
Is Bubinga Harder Than Walnut?
Yes, Bubinga is generally harder than walnut. Bubinga has a Janka hardness of around 2,410 lbf, while common walnut species have lower hardness ratings. Its greater hardness makes Bubinga more resistant to dents and wear.
Is Bubinga More Expensive Than Walnut?
Bubinga is generally more expensive than common walnut because it is a premium exotic hardwood with limited availability. However, the actual price depends on the species, quality, size, grain pattern, and availability.
Which Is Better for Furniture, Bubinga or Walnut?
Both Bubinga and walnut are excellent choices for furniture. Bubinga is a good option when you want greater hardness, density, and a distinctive grain pattern. Walnut is easier to work with and is widely preferred for high-quality indoor furniture.
Is Bubinga Good for Outdoor Use?
Bubinga can be used for some outdoor applications because of its durability, but it is not considered highly rot-resistant. Proper sealing and finishing are recommended when using it in outdoor environments.
Does Bubinga Change Color Over Time?
Yes, Bubinga can darken over time when exposed to light. Its reddish-brown color may become deeper with age, while the exact color change depends on the wood and its exposure to light.