Coachwood

Material Type:
Softwood

Also Called:
Scented Satinwood. Not To Be Confused With C. Succirubrum, Which Is Known As Png Coachwood Or Satin Sycamore

Durability Notes:
Coachwood wood is non durable. It is perishable and should only be considered for internal use.

Seasoning:
The drying and seasoning of Coachwood 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; Coachwood - Since its natural rate of drying is fairly rapid, coachwood is liable to split, warp and twist if not seasoned slowly and carefully. Coachwood exhibits medium 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:
Coachwood has a good resistance to shock loads, medium stiffness and bending strength, a high crushing strength and a good steam-bending qualities. Coachwood works reasonable easily with both machine and hand tools and a good finish can be achieved. Coach wood glues well and takes stain well and it can be brought to an excellent polished finish.

Typical Uses:
Furniture Making, Boat Building, Carving, Cabinet Making, Joinery, Decking, Flooring, Musical Instruments, Veneer, Interior Design.

Moisture Content:
Guide - 10-18% for KD (+/- 2%)

Commonly asked questions about Coachwood

Is Coachwood a hardwood or a softwood? Coachwood is a softwood. It is the same for; is Coachwood hardwood or softwood? - Coachwood is a softwood.

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 Coachwood 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 Coachwood? Coachwood can be described as brown, orange

Is Coachwood good for outdoor use? or is Coachwood good for exterior use? Coachwood is most suited for internal/interior use. Coachwood should not 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