Views: 225 Author: SENHEDA WOOD Publish Time: 2025-09-12 Origin: Site
Common Name(s): Okoume, Gabonmahogany (often called "Gaboon mahogany" commercially, though unrelated to true mahogany)
Scientific Name: Aucoumea klaineana
Natural Distribution: Primarily in Central Africa, with Gabon as its core habitat—also found in the Republic of the Congo and Río Muni.
Tree Size: Mature trees typically reach 100–130 ft (30–40 m) in height, with a trunk diameter of 3–6 ft (1–1.8 m). Many trees have large basal buttresses, and their roots often intertwine with neighboring trees, forming small stands.
Taxonomic Family: Burseraceae (the same family as frankincense and myrrh trees), highlighting its unique botanical lineage.
Okoume’s lightweight and moderate strength make it ideal for applications where weight reduction is critical. Key technical parameters are organized below for clarity:
Property | Specification |
Average Dried Weight | 27 lbs/ft⊃3; (430 kg/m³) |
Specific Gravity (Basic/12% MC) | 0.35 / 0.43 |
Janka Hardness | 400 lbf (1,790 N) |
Modulus of Rupture | 10,870 lbf/in⊃2; (75 MPa) |
Elastic Modulus | 1,228,000 lbf/in⊃2; (8.47 GPa) |
Crushing Strength | 5,250 lbf/in⊃2; (36.2 MPa) |
Shrinkage (Radial/Tangential/Volumetric) | 4.6% / 7.1% / 12.2% |
T/R Ratio | 1.5 |
Chatoyance (Cat’s Eye Effect) | Average 21+ PZC (a measure of light-reflective "glow," valued in decorative applications) |
Notably, its low density (430 kg/m³) is 8–12% lighter than meranti (a common marine plywood wood), while its moderate shrinkage (12.2% volumetric) requires proper drying to avoid deformation.
Color: Heartwood ranges from pale pink to light brown, with a natural darkening trend as it ages—developing a warmer, richer hue over time. Sapwood is grayish white, but it is not clearly demarcated from the heartwood (unlike many hardwoods), making it harder to distinguish usable core material at a glance.
Grain & Texture: Grain is typically straight, though it may appear wavy or slightly interlocked in some pieces. Texture is medium, with a smooth surface and good natural luster. Its grain pattern bears a striking resemblance to mahogany, which is why it earned the nickname "Gaboon mahogany"—but it is botanically unrelated to African mahogany (Khaya spp.) or New World mahogany (Swietenia spp.).
Okoume is rated as non-durable in outdoor or high-moisture environments: it has poor resistance to rot and insect infestations (e.g., termites). This means it requires protective treatments (such as epoxy coating or preservative impregnation) for long-term outdoor use.
Challenges: Okoume has a high silica content, which can significantly dull cutting tools (e.g., saw blades, planers) during machining. Its grain (especially wavy or interlocked sections) may cause tearout or fuzzy surfaces when planing or shaping, requiring sharp, high-quality tools and careful feed rates.
Advantages: Despite machining challenges, it glues and finishes exceptionally well. It accepts paints, stains, and varnishes evenly, making it easy to achieve a smooth, professional-looking surface.
Okoume has no characteristic odor. However, like many hardwoods, it can cause mild health reactions:
Common issues include skin irritation, eye redness, and respiratory discomfort (e.g., coughing, asthma-like symptoms) when exposed to wood dust.
Risks are heightened in workplaces with minimal safety standards (e.g., poor ventilation), so dust collection systems and personal protective equipment (masks, gloves, safety glasses) are strongly recommended.
Okoume is not listed in the CITES Appendices (international trade regulations) but is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. The population decline (over 20% in the past three generations) is driven by two main factors:
1. Loss of natural habitat due to deforestation for agriculture and development.
2. Overexploitation for its valuable veneer and plywood, especially in Gabon (where it is the primary timber species).
When sourcing Okoume, prioritize suppliers with FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) or PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) certifications to support sustainable forestry practices.
Okoume’s unique combination of lightweight, workability, and aesthetic appeal makes it versatile across industries. Below are its most prominent uses:
Marine-Grade Plywood: The most iconic application—Okoume marine plywood is certified to British Standard 1088 and is favored by boat builders (from hobbyist kayak makers to large shipyards). Its light weight (lighter than meranti) and flexibility allow it to bend into tight radii (e.g., boat bows in single-chine designs). To address its low durability, it is typically sheathed in epoxy resin (often with fiberglass) to boost water resistance, impact strength, and abrasion resistance.
Decorative Veneer: Used as a top surface for furniture, wall paneling, and luxury items (e.g., cigar boxes, high-end audio equipment) due to its mahogany-like grain and chatoyant glow.
Acoustic Guitars: High-end models use Okoume (often called "akoumé" in the trade) for backs and sides. It mimics maple’s tonal properties (bright, balanced resonance) and is significantly lighter than mahogany or rosewood—reducing overall guitar weight without sacrificing sound quality.
Other Instruments: It is occasionally used in ukuleles and small stringed instruments, taking advantage of its lightweight nature and resonant properties.
Light Aircraft: The French aircraft industry (e.g., Avions Robin, Jodel) has long used Okoume plywood for airframes. Its low weight and moderate strength make it ideal for amateur-built planes, and it remains a popular choice for Jodel aircraft kits today.
Interior Millwork: Used for door panels, moldings, and cabinetry (often as a cost-effective alternative to mahogany).
Furniture: Solid Okoume (or veneered plywood) is used in modern and tropical-style furniture, where its light color and grain pattern complement bright, open spaces.
Forms Available: Most commonly sold as veneer or plywood; solid lumber is less common (and more expensive) than veneer.
Pricing: Moderately priced for imported hardwoods, but highly figured veneer (e.g., wavy grain, high chatoyance) or solid Okoume can command premium prices.
Regional Demand: In North America, it is primarily used as veneer; in Asia and Europe, both veneer and solid lumber are widely traded.
For bulk inquiries or certification verification, look for suppliers with experience in Central African timber—ensure compliance with local import regulations (e.g., EU Timber Regulation, US Lacey Act) to avoid sourcing risks.
We offer high-quality Iroko lumber for bulk orders, trusted by engineers in 30+ countries since 2008:
Thickness: 25mm/50mm/75mm
Width: Random width (adaptable to custom needs)
Length: 2.4m and above
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