Guarea

Material Type:
Hardwood

Also Called:
Bosasa, Obobo Nofua, White Guarea, Scented Guarea, And Has Similar Propertis, Bosese. G.Thompsonii Is Also Sold As Guarea

Durability Notes:
Guarea wood is moderately durable

Seasoning:
The drying and seasoning of Guarea 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; Guarea - dried fairly quickly with little impact on the grade and quality of the wood, but has a slight warping and splitting tendency. Movement in service is minimal. 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:
Guarea is of medium density, has low resistance to shock loads and a good steam-bending rating. Guarea is very resistant to abrasion and has a medium blunting effect on cutting edges. Guarea has good nailing and screwing properties and works fairly well with hand tools. Guarea can be finishes well but there maybe problems with resin exudation when polishing is carried out in warm conditions. Gluing is not normally a problem but resin deposits affect this also.

Typical Uses:
Furniture, Cabinets, Shelving, Interior Trim, Flooring, Musical Instruments, Boatbuilding.

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

Commonly asked questions about Guarea Wood

Is Guarea a hardwood or a softwood? Guarea is a hardwood. It is the same for; is Guarea hardwood or softwood? - Guarea 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 Guarea 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 Guarea? Guarea can be described as brown, dark brown, dark red, red

Is Guarea good for outdoor use? or is Guarea good for exterior use? Guarea is most suited for internal/interior use. Guarea 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