A turned Afrormosia vase begins long before it reaches the lathe. The choice of log affects the size of the blank, the visible grain and the way the finished piece will look. That is one reason Afrormosia remains a familiar timber in Vietnam’s woodturning trade.

Vietnamese buyers commonly use Afrormosia logs for vases, decorative objects and column components. Buyers in other markets also ask for sawn boards for furniture, joinery and interior work. SENHEDA WOOD supplies both formats to customers with different production needs.

Afrormosia logs in the supply yard. Log dimensions and appearance vary by piece; specifications should be confirmed for each order.

A distinctive look on the lathe

Afrormosia, botanically Pericopsis elata, is also known in trade as assamela or African teak. Its heartwood is typically yellow-brown, sometimes with a greenish cast and darker streaks. The colour tends to deepen with exposure, while the grain can show subtle variation from one log or board to another.

The species turns well and takes a smooth finish, making it a natural fit for turned work. In a workshop, the same log may yield several kinds of blanks: a wide section for a statement vase, shorter pieces for ornaments, or longer stock for decorative columns. The dimensions and usable clear wood in each log will determine what can be produced.

Logs for turning, boards for other markets

For Vietnamese turners, logs offer flexibility when the finished products call for different diameters or profiles. Before ordering, buyers usually compare log length, diameter and the usable section with the sizes their lathes and products require. Photos of the actual lots can help with an initial review; final selection should follow the agreed grading and measurement terms.

Sawn Afrormosia boards suit a different set of needs. The timber is valued for furniture, decorative veneer, flooring, stairs and joinery. For manufacturers outside Vietnam, board dimensions and moisture condition are often the first points to confirm, alongside grade and the intended finish.

Afrormosia log stock shown from two angles. Individual log markings and dimensions are order-specific.

A few points to confirm before purchase

Afrormosia dries slowly, though properly dried wood is generally stable in service. It can be worked with hand or machine tools; interlocked grain may need attention in planing, and pre-boring helps reduce splitting around nails and screws. As with any hardwood, a clear specification and suitable processing plan help avoid surprises after arrival.

Pericopsis elata is listed in CITES Appendix II. Trade documentation requirements depend on the country of origin, product form and destination. Buyers should confirm the applicable permits and documents for each shipment before placing an order.

Afrormosia supply from SENHEDA WOOD

SENHEDA WOOD works with African timber buyers in Vietnam and other international markets. We mainly supply Afrormosia in log form for Vietnam, and also discuss sawn-board requirements from customers in other markets. With 17 years in the African timber trade, our team coordinates sourcing, order specifications, packing and export arrangements.

For a quotation, tell us whether you need logs or boards, your preferred dimensions and quality, quantity and destination port. For logs, include the length and diameter range; for boards, include thickness, width, length and moisture requirement.

Contact: virat@shdwood.com  |  www.shdtimber.com