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Imbuya

Imbuya

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The Rich Architectural Character of Imbuya Wood Veneer

Imbuya (Ocotea porosa)—also frequently known as Brazilian Walnut—is one of the most celebrated exotic hardwoods in the world. Sourced from the lush forests of Southern Brazil, Imbuya is prized for its incredible diversity in grain and color. Its heartwood presents a stunning spectrum of "spicy" browns, ranging from olive and yellowish-tan to deep, chocolatey espresso, often marked by dark streaks and variegated patterns.

Our collection of Imbuya veneer sheets is curated to offer designers and woodworkers the full range of this species' aesthetic potential, from the understated elegance of standard grain to the high-drama of rare figure.

Varieties of Imbuya Veneer

We offer several distinct grades of Imbuya to suit the specific requirements of your luxury project:

  • Standard Imbuya Veneer: Features the classic Brazilian Walnut look with a mix of straight and variegated grain. Perfect for high-end cabinetry where a warm, exotic atmosphere is desired.

  • Imbuya Burl Veneer: A "masterpiece" grade wood. Imbuya Burls are characterized by dense, swirling clusters of "eyes" and chaotic grain movement. This is a premier choice for automotive dashboards, private jet interiors, and luxury jewelry boxes.

  • Figured / Quilted / Curly Imbuya: These rare sheets exhibit intense 3D chatoyancy. The Quilted and Curly varieties feature a rolling, pillow-like figure or tight ripples that run across the grain, catching the light with every movement.

Applications for Imbuya Veneer Sheets

The prestige and durability of Imbuya wood veneer make it a top specification for high-performance luxury environments:

  • Executive Office Interiors: Use Imbuya Burl for conference room table inlays or desk fronts to convey a sense of established authority and success.

  • Fine Musical Instruments: Figured Imbuya is highly sought after by luthiers for custom guitar backs and sides, offering both tonal resonance and striking beauty.

  • Luxury Marine & Aircraft: The stability and rich color of Imbuya make it a favorite for yacht interiors and aviation cabin cabinetry.

  • High-End Custom Furniture: Whether it’s a modern credenza or a traditional breakfront, Imbuya provides an "upgrade" over domestic walnuts with its spicy scent and complex color shifts.

The Oakwood Professional Standard

We ensure that these precious exotic materials are prepared for professional-grade results:

  • Lustrous Texture: Imbuya features a fine-to-medium texture and a natural luster that responds beautifully to oils, waxes, and high-gloss lacquers.

  • Careful Slicing: Due to the interlocked grain of figured and burl varieties, we utilize precision slicing techniques to ensure the sheets are flat and ready for bonding.

  • Architectural Sheet Sizes: Available in various dimensions to accommodate both small-scale craft work and large-scale architectural paneling.

  • Advanced Backing Solutions: Available with 10-mil paper, 22.2-mil Bubble-Free (BFV) for a perfectly smooth surface, or 3M™ PSA (Peel-and-Stick) for high-efficiency application.

Technical Specifications:

  • Botanical Name: Ocotea porosa

  • Common Names: Imbuya, Embuia, Brazilian Walnut

  • Visual Options: Standard, Burl, Quilted, Curly

  • Color Profile: Spicy Olive-Brown to Dark Espresso

  • Backing Choices: 10-mil, 22.2-mil BFV, 3M™ PSA