AYOUS LUMBERS: Characteristics and Uses
1. Botanical and Commercial Overview
Scientific Name: Triplochiton scleroxylon
Common Names: Ayou, Ayous, Obeche, Sapele Light, White Sapele (not to be confused with true Sapele Entandrophragma cylindricum).
Origin: Native to West and Central Africa (e.g., Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria), commonly harvested in tropical rainforests.
2. Key Physical Characteristics
Aspect | Description |
Color | Heartwood: Light yellow to pale brown with slight pinkish or grayish tones. |
Grain | Straight, uniform texture with a fine, even grain; smooth to the touch. |
Density | Lightweight: ~250–400 kg/m³ (15–25 lb/ft⊃3;), making it one of the lightest African hardwoods. |
Weight & Hardness | Soft and low in hardness (Janka hardness: ~200–300 lbf), easy to work with tools. |
Moisture Content | Naturally low shrinkage; suitable for environments with moderate humidity. |
3. Working Properties
Machinability:
Cuts, planes, and sands easily without splintering, ideal for intricate carving or turning.
Glues, nails, and screws well; takes paint, varnish, or stain evenly (though its light color often makes it suitable for natural finishes).
Durability:
Non-durable and susceptible to decay if exposed to moisture; requires treatment for outdoor use.
Not resistant to insect attacks (e.g., termites), so often used in interior applications.
4. Primary Uses
Woodworking & Furniture:
Ideal for light furniture frames, cabinets, and shelves due to its low weight and ease of shaping.
Commonly used in plywood cores or veneers for decorative panels.
Packaging & Crating:
Lightweight nature makes it suitable for shipping crates, boxes, and packaging materials.
Crafts & DIY Projects:
Popular for model making, toys, decorative carvings, and musical instruments (e.g., guitar bodies, drum shells).
Construction:
Used for interior fittings (e.g., doors, window frames), temporary structures, or light construction where weight is a concern.
Paper & Pulp Industry:
Sometimes processed into pulp for paper production due to its soft fibers.
5. Sustainability Considerations
Harvesting: Ayou is often harvested from managed plantations, but wild populations in natural forests face threats from deforestation.
Certification: Look for FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) or PEFC-certified Ayou lumber to ensure sustainable sourcing.
6. Comparison with Similar Woods
vs. Balsa Wood: Ayou is denser and harder than Balsa, making it more durable for structural uses.
vs. True Sapele: Ayou is lighter in color, lower in density, and less expensive than Sapele (Entandrophragma cylindricum), which is darker and more durable.
7. Summary in Bullet Points
Lightweight & soft: Easy to handle and process.
Pale color & uniform grain: Suited for painted or natural-finish projects.
Interior-focused: Best for dry environments (not weather-resistant).
Cost-effective: A budget-friendly alternative to denser hardwoods.
Sustainability note: Prioritize certified sources to support responsible forestry.
For trade purposes, Ayou lumber is valued for its affordability, workability, and versatility in light-duty applications. Always ensure compliance with international timber trade regulations (e.g., CITES, FLEGT) when sourcing or exporting.
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Hot Tags: Ayous Lumbers, China, Custom, Bulk, Low price, factory, suppliers, for sale, in stock, price, pricelist, quotation
AYOUS LUMBERS: Characteristics and Uses
1. Botanical and Commercial Overview
Scientific Name: Triplochiton scleroxylon
Common Names: Ayou, Ayous, Obeche, Sapele Light, White Sapele (not to be confused with true Sapele Entandrophragma cylindricum).
Origin: Native to West and Central Africa (e.g., Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria), commonly harvested in tropical rainforests.
2. Key Physical Characteristics
Aspect | Description |
Color | Heartwood: Light yellow to pale brown with slight pinkish or grayish tones. |
Grain | Straight, uniform texture with a fine, even grain; smooth to the touch. |
Density | Lightweight: ~250–400 kg/m³ (15–25 lb/ft⊃3;), making it one of the lightest African hardwoods. |
Weight & Hardness | Soft and low in hardness (Janka hardness: ~200–300 lbf), easy to work with tools. |
Moisture Content | Naturally low shrinkage; suitable for environments with moderate humidity. |
3. Working Properties
Machinability:
Cuts, planes, and sands easily without splintering, ideal for intricate carving or turning.
Glues, nails, and screws well; takes paint, varnish, or stain evenly (though its light color often makes it suitable for natural finishes).
Durability:
Non-durable and susceptible to decay if exposed to moisture; requires treatment for outdoor use.
Not resistant to insect attacks (e.g., termites), so often used in interior applications.
4. Primary Uses
Woodworking & Furniture:
Ideal for light furniture frames, cabinets, and shelves due to its low weight and ease of shaping.
Commonly used in plywood cores or veneers for decorative panels.
Packaging & Crating:
Lightweight nature makes it suitable for shipping crates, boxes, and packaging materials.
Crafts & DIY Projects:
Popular for model making, toys, decorative carvings, and musical instruments (e.g., guitar bodies, drum shells).
Construction:
Used for interior fittings (e.g., doors, window frames), temporary structures, or light construction where weight is a concern.
Paper & Pulp Industry:
Sometimes processed into pulp for paper production due to its soft fibers.
5. Sustainability Considerations
Harvesting: Ayou is often harvested from managed plantations, but wild populations in natural forests face threats from deforestation.
Certification: Look for FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) or PEFC-certified Ayou lumber to ensure sustainable sourcing.
6. Comparison with Similar Woods
vs. Balsa Wood: Ayou is denser and harder than Balsa, making it more durable for structural uses.
vs. True Sapele: Ayou is lighter in color, lower in density, and less expensive than Sapele (Entandrophragma cylindricum), which is darker and more durable.
7. Summary in Bullet Points
Lightweight & soft: Easy to handle and process.
Pale color & uniform grain: Suited for painted or natural-finish projects.
Interior-focused: Best for dry environments (not weather-resistant).
Cost-effective: A budget-friendly alternative to denser hardwoods.
Sustainability note: Prioritize certified sources to support responsible forestry.
For trade purposes, Ayou lumber is valued for its affordability, workability, and versatility in light-duty applications. Always ensure compliance with international timber trade regulations (e.g., CITES, FLEGT) when sourcing or exporting.
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Hot Tags: Ayous Lumbers, China, Custom, Bulk, Low price, factory, suppliers, for sale, in stock, price, pricelist, quotation
