Once the favored hardwood of emperors, kings, and pharaohs
Technical Consultant: Larry Osborn
The nearly 300 shrubs and trees of the ebony family (Ebenaceae) grow throughout the world’s tropic and mild temperate regions. One of the world’s darkest woods, ebony was highly prized even in ancient times and frequently offered as tribute to reigning monarchs. Even today’s woodworkers have a special place in their heart for craftsman Sam Maloof, especially favored Macassar wood for his signature rocking chairs.
History in woodworking
It was once believed that this wood was a poison antidote, so rulers fearing for their safety drank only from cups hewed from the wood. And at one time, India’s royalty would reign with nothing less than scepters crafted from only the blackest wood. And so it’s been throughout the centuries with the darkest ebony available used sparingly for small items and parts, such as piano keys, guitar fingerboards, pegs in Greene and Greene furniture, carvings, turnings, box accents, inlay, marquetry and such.
The only commercial wood in the ebony family in North America is persimmon (Diospyros virginiana), a tree that for decades provided the stock for golf club heads (drivers and putters). And due to its tight grain, density and hardness, this brownish persimmon was looked to for weaving loom shuttlecocks.
Where the ebony wood comes from
By its lofty price you might assume that ebony is quite rare. Actually, it’s somewhat abundant where it grows. The problem: Not all trees of the many ebony species are large-sized, and only the deepest colored heartwood has been sought by woodworkers. There is also a great amount of degrade (loss to twisting, warping, etc.) if it is taken too quickly through the drying process (usually air-drying).
Most ebony species in world trade are named for their country or region of origin. The three most common are:
- African (Gabon) ebony (Diospyros crassiflora): One of the blackest varieties, originating in central West Africa.
- East Indian (Ceylon) ebony (Diospyros spp.): Native to Asia and Indonesia, with coloring that ranges from black to dark brown with contrasting stripes.
- Macassar (Indonesian) ebony (Diospyros celebica): A dark brown to black wood with distinctive yellow-brown streaks, originating in the East Indies and Philippines.
Wood dealers may also describe varieties by appearance, such as black and white (Diospyros embryopteris) or striped varieties, which are typically a type of Macassar. Persimmon, another member of the Diospyros genus, grows in the southern United States and east of the Missouri River.
Quick Take
| COST | Very high |
| WEIGHT | High (one-third heavier than red oak) |
| HARDNESS | High (more than twice as hard as red oak) |
| STABILITY | High (when thoroughly dried) |
| Durability | High |
| STRENGTH | Very high |
| TOXICITY | High (fine dust in particular) |
| TOOL TYPE | Power tools with carbide-tipped blades and cutters |
| COMMON USES | Accents, boxes, inlay, musical instrument parts, small turnings, small chests, and cabinets |
Buying Ebony Wood for Your Project
Because of its distinctive appearance and premium qualities, ebony is typically sold through woodworking specialty retailers and online sellers. Large boards are uncommon, with most stock measuring 6" wide or less and rarely exceeding 8' in Select & Better grade. Premium Gabon can cost more than $150 per board foot, while Macassar typically costs about half as much and is also available as paperback veneer in 4 × 8' sheets of bookmatched pieces. American persimmon offers a more affordable option at around $6 per board foot.
Fortunately, many woodworking projects take advantage of this beautiful wood without requiring large amounts of material. Pen blanks, typically 3⁄4 × 3⁄4 × 5", are readily available, along with small pieces and larger turning blocks suitable for knife handles, pool cue butts, decorative accents and other projects. Using smaller pieces or veneer can be an economical way to incorporate the rich color and character of ebony into your work.
How to select the best stock
When choosing ebony wood for a project, consider the species, color, grain and size of the stock you need. Natural variation is common, even within darker species such as Gabon ebony, so look for pieces that complement one another when creating matching components such as knife handles or furniture accents. For smaller projects like pens and turnings, variations in color and grain can add unique character.
For larger projects, inspect the wood for the color and grain you want as well as any flaws or splits. When buying online, detailed product photos and descriptions can help you select the right material for your project. You can also shop ebony wood at Woodcraft to explore available turning stock, blanks and other project-ready pieces.
Moisture content is another consideration, particularly with larger stock. Ebony can be unstable until thoroughly dried, so check whether the wood has been air- or kiln-dried when that information is available. Once properly dried to approximately 6-9% moisture content, it should remain relatively stable in use.
Working ebony in the shop
Ebony's density and hardness contribute to its durability and ability to take a beautiful polish. For the best results, use sharp carbide cutting edges and take light passes when planing, jointing or routing. The wood typically has a fine, straight grain, although some pieces may exhibit interlocked grain. When sanding, work through successive grits up to 400 to create a smooth, polished surface that's ready for finishing.
When assembling your project, predrill pilot holes for nails and screws. Freshly sawn or sanded surfaces bond well with glue, and an adhesive with a longer open time allows for better penetration. If a surface has been sitting for a while, wiping it with an appropriate solvent before gluing can help remove naturally occurring oils.
As with many woodworking materials, proper dust protection is important. Fine sanding dust can irritate the respiratory system, and some people may experience skin irritation. Wear a well-fitting dust mask or respirator, use appropriate dust collection and consider long sleeves when sanding or machining the wood.
Deciding on a finish
Ebony takes stains and finishes well, but its naturally rich color and fine grain often need little enhancement. A clear penetrating oil can bring out the wood's depth and create a smooth, lustrous appearance without hiding its distinctive character. Dye or stain can also be used when you want to even out color variations or achieve a darker, more uniform look.
With its dramatic appearance, durability and ability to take a beautiful polish, ebony can add something special to projects both large and small. Whether used for a turning, handle, decorative accent or fine furniture detail, a little ebony can make a lasting impression.