Kauri
Common Name(s): Fijian kauri, Pacific kauri, southern kauri
Scientific Name: Agathis macrophylla
Distribution: Fiji, Vanuatu, the Santa Cruz Islands, and the Solomon Islands, New Zealand
Janka Hardness: 730
Color/Appearance: Pale yellowish white to golden brown heartwood. Sapwood typically same color as heartwood. Due to the tree’s large size, kauri is nearly always clear and knot-less, with minimal wastage. Some pieces of kauri may exhibit a shimmering grain figure that’s commonly referred to as “whitebait”—so named for the iridescent appearance of schools of whitebait fish seen in the waters of New Zealand.
Grain/Texture: Grain is usually straight, with a fine, even texture and a moderate natural luster.
Workability: Kauri’s moderate density, along with its straight and consistent grain give it good workability. Most machining and shaping operations can be performed with a minimum of trouble. Glues and finishes well.
Sustainability: This wood species is not listed in the CITES Appendices, but is reported by the IUCN as being conservation dependent. Cessation of any current conservation programs would likely result in a vulnerable or endangered Red List status.
Common Uses: Boatbuilding, furniture, cabinetry, veneer, musical instruments (guitars), and turned objects.