Limba Wood Uses, Properties, Advantages, and Disadvantages
Limba (Terminalia Superba) is a large tree species with different names in some different countries. The tree can grow up to 65-100 feet tall, with 5-7 feet diameter, and the distribution of the limba in tropical west Africa with a good population.
Moreover, limba is not listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species or the CITES Appendices. Terminalia superba produces black limba wood and white limba wood.
Limba black is brownish yellow to black with grains that tend to be black. In comparison, the white limba is bright yellow with brown to black grains.
What is limba wood?
We found information on 2 different kinds of wood regarding limba wood on the same page, black limba wood and white wood limba.
It seems like they both have the same 2 characteristics, except for the color. Limba wood is coarse in texture, straight grain, and has a mild odor while being work. Limba wood black dark yellow with straight black grains.
While black limba wood looks bright yellow with straight and irregular grains, and availability of the wood is still relatively good and is sold at a mid-range price in the market, but more expensive for figured like black limba.
The properties of limba wood
Limba wood is considered not durable and susceptible to insect attack. That’s a significant drawback for some uses. But, limba still has advantages. We think it looks pretty attractive, especially the black limba wood.
The grain figured and natural luster are good for several objects. Limba is also easy to work with hand tools or machines, contains little silica, and provides a small blunt effect on the tools.
Limba also glues well and finishes well. It may have a mild odor while working. Finally, be careful with the health risks that may occur.
Limba wood advantages and disadvantages
Advantages
Price: The sale of limba is in veneer and board form, and the availability is still good. Not in the cheap price range, but good enough for this wood.
Prices are moderate, although figured like black limba may more expensive. Please choose wood with a certain figure according to your needs.
The black limba figured may be more expensive but looks great for turned objects, tables, cabinets, and more.
Although it seems less attractive, the familiar figure suits more things but is in the moderate price range.
Easy to work: You can efficiently work the limba using hand tools, although using a machine is also easy and recommended.
Limba also provides an effective blunt on the cutter, though small. That’s because it only has a small amount of silica content; this is an advantage for limba.
You don’t have to bother with the cutter going blunt in the middle of the job. So, it seems pretty good for long-term work; other work such as glues well and finishes nicely.
Odors when working and possible health risks are minor. So don’t worry too much about it.
Disadvantages
Not durable: Think again for what purpose you use limba wood. It seems not recommended for long-term and large-sized furniture.
The reason is that the limba is not durable, including not resistant to rot, and is susceptible to insect attack, and this might be something big enough for you.
Small-sized furniture such as a small cupboard, table, or chair seems pretty good. But for large cabinets as the main storage is not recommended.
Better to choose another wood than this, such as maple, ash, hickory, cherry, and oak.
Health risk: Limba is reported to cause several health problems. Respiratory irritation, skin irritation, bleeding from the nose and gums, hives, and asthma-like symptoms.
It would be best if you took precautions by carrying out several health protocols while working. Because even though it’s mild, some things may take a long time to heal.
Another way to avoid this problem is to buy finished goods or semi-finished goods. It seems that it’s better than having to bear the health risks from the beginning of work.
Limba wood for furniture
I seem to be interested in having limba wood furniture, especially black limba. Highly figured beautiful ones can make furniture have a high artistic value.
However, durability is a big issue here, and this might make you think again about the furniture. But, it looks like lighter furniture is pretty good, and that’s fine with that.
In addition, limba wood is also considered easy to work by machine or by hand and only gives a slight blunt effect.
That is good news for those of you who want to make your furniture.
Think again about making furniture. Because wood like maple, oak, mahogany is better for it.
Limba wood for musical instruments
Limba wood is great for electric guitar bodies. We’ve seen some of the pictures, and it looks like black limba wood was used. That’s very good.
Adds artistic value to the guitar. We don’t know if it’s for acoustic guitar; please try it yourself.
The black limba wood grain figured is excellent for electric guitars. Even though the black color looks wavy and irregular, it’s impressive to make it look nicer.
Especially if the lumber used is predominantly black rather than brown. So, choose looks good.
Limba wood for turned objects
The black limba wood grain figured is gorgeous. So, it seems pretty good for making decorative items by turning.
The artistic value is significant here, especially if the wavy black fiber dominates the color. Limba wood’s natural luster is also a significant added value.
Because of that, it seems pretty good for creating some turned objects, such as bowls, candlesticks, tool handles, toys, and more.
However, prepare the tools first before turning. Don’t forget to practice small things first if you’re not too good at it.
Limba wood for veneer
One of the forms of limba wood that is sold is veneer. No wonder this wood is the choice for the veneer.
It seems easy to work with, making it easy to cut thin too. In addition, its beautiful appearance also makes this wood can make furniture or other items look more artistic.
It looks pretty good for wrapping doors, furniture, or other items. However, I prefer to buy it instead of making it myself because making veneers is quite challenging to work.
Limba wood for plywood
Plywood is also another pretty good object from the limba. I’ve intentionally included it here because I previously mentioned veneers.
Limba plywood makes some parts of the house more beautiful. We think it’s pretty good if the interior walls and roof of the house are covered with this wood.
Maybe the durability is unreliable. But its attractive appearance can give a beautiful impression to those who see it.
If you want to use it, we recommend choosing black limba wood. Although it may be more expensive, it’s pretty worth it.
Limba wood for table tennis blades
It can be used as the outer layer of a table tennis blade. Black limba wood can be the main choice.
We got it due to the flexibility and enhanced topspin, which might be a good choice for you. But it doesn’t last long.
Even so, you can still replace it with a new one. It looks like its exotic looks are useless here. Because usually it will be covered by paint.
That’s because the look of wood can make it difficult to concentrate. One dominant color is better and makes players more focused.
Conclusion
This wood is overall good for several things, and it would be best if you considered its poor durability.
But it seems there’s no need to worry. Because limba wood is easy to work with, so you who are beginners can also try it.
We recommend making a good selection of grains figured because the right choice will make the items you make more beautiful and have high artistic value.