 Avodire (Turraeanthus africanus)
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Common Name(s): Avodire Scientific Name: Turraeanthus africanus Distribution: Western and central regions of Africa, near lakes and streams Tree Size: 80-115 ft (25-35 m) tall, 2-3 ft (.6-1.0 m) trunk diameter Average Dried Weight: 38 lbs/ft3 (610 kg/m3) Hardness: 1,080 lbf (4,800 N) Bending Strength: 15,670 lbf/in2 (108,070 kPa) Elasticity: 1,570,000 lbf/in2 (10,830 MPa) Shrinkage: Radial: 4.6%, Tangential: 6.7%, Volumetric: 12.0%, T/R Ratio: 1.5 |
Color/Appearance: Pale yellow or cream, darkening with age to a golden yellow. Heartwood and sapwood usually look the same.
Grain/Pore: Grain can be straight, wavy, or irregular and interlocked. Texture is fine, with a high natural luster, and small to medium-sized open pores.
Durability: Avodire is non-durable in regards to decay resistance, and is susceptible to insect attack.
Workability: Avodire is generally regarded as having good working characteristics, and is easy to work with hand or machine tools: though wood with interlocked grain can pose a challenge with tearout while being planed. The wood also has a slight blunting effect on tool cutters. Avodire glues and finishes well.
Smell: There is no characteristic odor associated with this wood species.
Safety: Although severe reactions are quite uncommon, Avodire has been reported to cause skin irritation, nosebleeds, internal bleeding, and asthma-like symptoms. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicity and Wood Dust Safety for more information.
Price Range: Avodire is commonly sold as a veneer for a moderate price, though boards are also available. Avodire lumber is likely to be in the medium price range for an imported hardwood, comparing similarly to other mid-range African timbers such as Padauk. Veneer or solid lumber with highly figured grain is likely to be much more expensive.
Comments: Avodire can exhibit a range of grain patterns, such as wavy, mottled, and rippled, with an almost-shimmering chatoyance, making it a popular choice for veneering applications. The wood is stable, and has a very good strength-to-weight ratio. Avodire is similar in working properties to the true Mahoganies, and is somewhat related to them as both are in the Meliaceae family.
Some common uses of Avodire include: veneer, cabinetry, furniture, millwork, and plywood.
None available.
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Avodire (sanded) |
 Avodire (sealed) |
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