Typical uses
Black Hornbeam Strips — Ebony Substitute
5.04 reviewsThe most sought-after ebony substitute for ship modelling — heat-stabilised European hornbeam dyed deep black through the full thickness. EU-sourced and precision milled in Rapla, Estonia. Dense, stable and ideal for visible structural detail.
Precision custom milling available
We mill this species to your exact thickness and width, held to ±0.10 mm.
Calculate an instant price for custom Black Hornbeam Planking Strips →Typical uses
About Black Hornbeam
The most sought-after ebony substitute for ship modelling — heat-stabilised European hornbeam, deep black throughout. EU-sourced and precision milled in Rapla, Estonia.
Black Hornbeam is European hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) that has been stabilised and dyed right through to a deep, even black. It gives model builders the look of ebony — without the cost, scarcity or the splintering that genuine ebony can bring to thin work.
Hornbeam is one of the hardest and densest woods grown in Europe, with a tight, almost featureless grain. That uniform structure is exactly what makes it cut so cleanly at small dimensions, holding sharp corners and fine edges where coarser dark woods would tear out.
Each piece is dyed and dried before milling, so the colour runs through the full thickness — sanding or shaping a part won't expose a pale core.
Milling your own strips? See our guide: Milling Strips with a Byrnes Table Saw
Wood Properties
| Species | Carpinus betulus (dyed) |
| Origin | Central Europe |
| Janka Hardness | ~1,780 N (very hard) |
| Density | ~750 kg/m³ (air dried) |
| Grain | Very fine, tight, almost featureless |
| Colour | Deep black, dyed through |
| Texture | Smooth and dense — holds sharp edges |
| Workability | Cuts cleanly; sands and polishes well |
| Moisture content | 8–12% |
| Tolerance | Thickness ±0.10 mm · Width ±0.10 mm · Length ±20 mm |
Customer reviews
5.0· 4 reviews
- Aug 2026
Great quality as always
When you order 2x2 mm from HobbyMill you really get 2x2 mm and nothing else + a great surface finish. I placed my first order with HobbyMill years ago and have since then received 3 or 4 orders which all have been very satisfying. Wood included has been various sizes of Castello Boxwood, Dark Pear, Hornbeam (both black and white) and the pure white Holly. Both sheets and strips have been to my greatest satisfaction.
Torbjörn Mathisen· Sweden Verified purchase
- Aug 2026
Wood strips and
I or d ered wood strip for my scratch build HMS Royal William. All part custom size. As I live in Bangkok it is difficult to find suppliers shipping to Asia. All arrived well and moreover all pieces nicely labelled to avoid mistakes. Thanks again. Great Service.
Alexander Skaria· Thailand
- Aug 2026
Ordered both sheet and milled plank stock
All products are excellent.
Bob Ellis· United Kingdom
- Aug 2026
It was my second order and the quality is outstanding.
Leo· Switzerland Verified purchase
