Okoume Wood
Description/Overview: Okoume wood is a popular choice for luxury desktop humidors due to its durability, resistance to moisture, and beautiful grain patterns. This wood species is known for its lightweight and stability, making it a great option for furniture and other interior design applications. Okoume wood is native to West Africa, and it is often used in the construction of boats and other watercraft due to its excellent resistance to moisture.
Origin: Okoume wood comes from the Okoume tree, which is native to the tropical regions of West Africa. This tree can grow up to 50 meters in height and is known for its straight trunk and large branches.
Names: Okoume wood is also known as Gaboon wood, Okoume mahogany, and Aucoumea klaineana.
Color: Okoume wood has a pale pink to light brown color, which darkens over time to a rich golden-brown color with a reddish hue. The wood has a subtle grain pattern with a uniform texture.
Properties: Okoume wood has a straight and uniform grain pattern, making it easy to work with. The wood has a medium to fine texture, and it takes a smooth finish.
Additional Info: Okoume wood is resistant to decay and insects, which makes it ideal for outdoor furniture, boats, and other marine applications. It is also used for musical instruments, cabinetry, and decorative veneers. The wood has a Janka hardness rating of 510 lbf, which is relatively soft compared to other hardwoods.
Fun Facts:
Okoume wood is considered a sustainable wood source as it is harvested from managed plantations.
The Aucoumea klaineana tree produces a natural latex that is used to make glue, varnish, and sealants.
Okoume wood is a popular choice for kayaks and canoes due to its lightweight and water-resistant properties.
The wood's uniform texture and straight grain patterns make it an ideal choice for decorative veneers.
Okoume wood is also used for acoustic guitar soundboards, where it is known for its clear and bright tone.
The tree's bark is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including stomach aches and fever.
Okoume wood is resistant to warping and twisting, making it an excellent choice for furniture and cabinetry.
The wood's pale color makes it easy to stain or dye to match any décor or design.
Okoume wood is highly prized in the construction of high-end yachts and boats due to its lightweight and water-resistant properties.
The tree's flowers are a source of nectar for bees, making it an important species for honey production.