Abstract: The present study was a first step of a systematic comparative study on the surface colour of 83 wood species from different geographical regions. The colour measurements were monitored by CIE L*a*b* and CIE L*h*c* colour coordinated systems. Moreover, the exposure to light of a solar type in the conditions of accelerated ageing of 24 selected wood species made it possible to evaluate the stability of their natural colour. Generally the colour of wood from Europe and North America was lighter than the colour of the tropical wood form Africa and South America. The European woods showed wide variations in the stability of their natural colour while the African and darkest South American woods had highest stability. It was suggested that colour stability of wood was mainly attributable to the diverse chemical nature specific for each species.