We took advantage of a rare opportunity to make a sizeable purchase of ancient kauri wood. The kauri forests originate in the Northern Island of New Zealand, and it has been scientifically proven that they were around before the Ice Age. According to one theory, they were knocked down by a giant tsunami and buried in peat bogs thousands of years ago, where they were perfectly preserved from the elements that would otherwise have rotted them away. Today they are pulled out of the peat bogs through careful extraction, using heavy equipment for minimal impact on the environment. Although kauri trees are said to live around 2,000 years, and kauri forests can still be found in New Zealand, they are protected and cannot be harvested. Originally used by European settlers to build tall masts for ships, this wood is used today in a variety of decorative applications. A trademark of the ancient kauri: white bait. White bait refers to the deep, shimmering streaks of iridescence found in the wood. This particular grain is named after schools of New Zealand whitebait fish that emit a similar pattern when swimming in one direction. Kauri wood is suitable for furnituremaking, tables, musical instruments, turning and carving. It is kiln-dried and has the density of cherry with textures similar to basswood.Agathis australis
Ecologically friendly no living trees are harvested
Ancient kauri is the oldest workable wood on earth
Due to the nature of wood movement, shrinkage and expansion are possible. Please measure each piece carefully before starting any project.
Wood is a product of nature, and as such, no two pieces are alike to start with, while the same wood growing in different locales can vary greatly even though it is the exact same species.
Thin Stock. The thin stock is cut to size from quality, kiln-dried stock. Dimensions are +/- 1/8" of size listed.
Carving and Turning Blocks. Blocks are sawn to +/- ¼" of size listed.
Plywood. Sizes are nominal. Dimensions are +/- 1/8" of size listed.