
Afromosia
Afromosia, also known by its botanical name Pericopsis elata (Leguminosae), is a highly sought after and versatile timber. The heartwood of Afromosia darkens on exposure, ranging from deep orange-brown to brownish-yellow, with darker streaks running through the creamy-brown sapwood. The grain of this timber varies from straight to slightly interlocked, and when cut radially it reveals a stunning reptile figure. The texture is medium to fine and when quarter sawn, an attractive mottles figure is revealed. Afromosia is a popular choice for marine, joinery, cabinetmaking and more.
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Material Type:
Hardwood
Also Called:
Assamela (France And Ivory Coast), Ejen (Cameroon), Mohole (Netherlands), Aying, Kokrodua (Ghana), Egbi (Nigeria), Ole, Olel Pardo, Tento
Durability Notes:
Afromosia wood is a very durable timber.
Seasoning:
The drying and seasoning of Afromosia is dependant on a number of factors; the speed in which it is processed after felling and logging, the method of drying and the specific kilns or location (if air dried). Generally the care taken by those processing the wood will have an impact on its drying and seasoning. As an overview; Afromosia - dries fairly slowly, but seasons reasonably well with little impact on the grade and quality of the wood. There is little movement in service. Please note that all wood is liable to move when in service plus there can be dimensional change. The extent of this will depend on; the stability of the species itself, the conditions it is exposed to, the coating, decoration and protection. You will find more information about the suitability of this wood, for any proposed application, by using our interactive system and the filters shown.
Properties:
Afromosia is a dense wood. It has medium stiffness and resistance to shock loads. Afromosia has high bending and crushing strength but can distort during steaming. Afromosia works well with normal tools but a low cutting angle is advised to planing. Pre-drilling for screws and nails is recommended. Afromosia glues well and an excellent finish can achieved.
Typical Uses:
Cabinetmaking, Interior Furniture, Flooring, Exterior Furniture, Decorative Veneers, Boat Building, Carpentry, Joinery, Millwork.
Moisture Content:
Guide - 10-18% for KD (+/- 2%)
Commonly asked questions about Afromosia Wood
Is Afromosia a hardwood or a softwood? Afromosia is a hardwood. It is the same for; is Afromosia hardwood or softwood? - Afromosia is a hardwood.
Most groups/families of species share the same characteristics but this normally relates to their life as plants. Individual species do not always share the same characteristics as their relatives, in terms of the wood. Many factors influence how we use the wood and what we use it for, including where it grows, how it is forested, how it seasons/dries, etc. The answers to the following common questions, therefore relate to this particular species/wood and not the Afromosia family as a whole. Even more specific – our answers relate to the wood (as we know it) in its form as a useable resource.
What colour is Afromosia? Afromosia can be described as brown
Is Afromosia good for outdoor use? or is Afromosia good for exterior use? Afromosia is most suited for exterior/external use. Afromosia can be used as an exterior/external timber (without treatment).
Whether the wood is naturally durable or not we would still recommend that it is decorated and/or coated with a suitable product to provide protection and/or maintain its appearance. This even applies when using the wood internally as, even subtle, changes in temperature or humidity will affect the wood. This will depend on the application/purpose of the wood and the user’s desired appearance. We also recommend that a recoating, care and maintenance programme is adhered to, for the life of an exterior wood. Wood cannot rot if it is kept dry – coatings and decoration can provide this protection. All of that said there are many durable timbers that are often left to weather naturally and will last for many years untreated/coated – movement and visual changes will occur but this is sometimes the desired effect. All wood is hygroscopic (it 'wants' to be in tune with its environment) it will therefore take on water from moisture in the air (or when directly exposed to or submerged in water) and ‘release it’ when dry or exposed to heat. This, inevitably, results in movement and dimensional change. For more about moisture in wood please click here - Moisture in wood
WooduWeigh is a real time calculator that uses a wood density algorithm that allows you calculate the weight of any quantity of Afromosia timber. Visit Wooduweigh
If you would like to buy Afromosia or have Afromosia ready to sell then please visit the wood trading section powered by Woodutrade, where you can make timber contacts worldwide. Visit Woodutrade