Karri

Material Type:
Hardwood

Also Called:
No Other Names

Durability Notes:
Karri wood is moderately durable

Seasoning:
The drying and seasoning of Karri 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; Karri - it is very challenging to dry; partial air-drying is advised before kilning. Karri can check severely on tangential surfaces, along with deep checking in thick timber sections. Thin timber sections can warp. Karri moves considerably 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:
Karri is rated high in all strength categories but is only tolerable for steam bending. Karri is challenging to work with hand tools. Machining is also fairly challenging due to the interlocked grain. It has a tolerable to severe blunting effect on tools. The wood can be challenging to turn, drill and sand. Karri glues adequately and the surface can be brought to a very good finish once the grain has been filled.

Typical Uses:
Flooring, furniture, cabinetry, doors, veneers, paneling, countertops, mouldings.

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

Commonly asked questions about Karri Wood

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

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