Reading Bubinga Slabs Through Their Dimensions and Outlines

The broad face of a slab shows its color and grain at a glance, while the edge reveals its thickness and outer profile. Looking at four Bubinga slabs side by side, from their overall appearance first, makes it possible to compare how width and length vary even among pieces of the same material.

Start by reading the dimensions

The dimensions listed in the product names are 414 × 1220 × 37 mm for 6342 and 415 × 1190 × 39 mm for 6343. The two pieces are nearly the same width, but their lengths and thicknesses differ. This is why, when viewing the photos, you should check not only the broad faces but also the required length and thickness. The numbers are the dimensions stated in the product names, so it is safest to review the product information again to confirm the actual usable size.

The sequence of face and edge views

On the broad face, the grain can be seen running along the length. Adding an edge view also allows you to read the slab’s thickness and the shape of its cross-section. When examining a piece, moving your gaze from the overall outline to the broad face and then to the edge helps ensure that neither its size nor its surface is overlooked. This sequence is also useful when comparing photos: check the whole piece first, then look at the closer views.

6342 and 6343 are similar in width, while the product names of the other two slabs list widths of 225 mm and 195 mm. Placing them on one screen for comparison makes the differences in each slab’s area and length more apparent. Weight and machining difficulty cannot be judged from photos alone. It is best to determine the required dimensions first, then check the grain direction and outer profile in the photos of the actual pieces.

Two Bubinga slabs with different widths.

Start with the size suited to the intended use

When choosing woodworking material, selection becomes easier if you first note the size of the finished object and the thickness required. The features to compare will vary depending on whether you need a broad slab face or extra length is more important. Each slab shown in the photos is a single individual piece, so even slabs with similar dimensions should be examined individually for grain flow and outer profile.

The species name Bubinga alone does not mean that all slabs will have the same color or figure. Here, we address only the species and dimensions stated in the product names, along with the outlines and surfaces that can be confirmed from the photos. Compare the size and shape first, then check the slab you like once more through its detailed photos.