Afrormosia

Afrormosia (Pericopsis elata)

Common Name(s): Afrormosia, Afromosia, African Teak

Scientific Name: Pericopsis elata

Distribution: West Africa

Tree Size: 150 ft (46 m) tall, 3-6 ft (1-2 m) trunk diameter

Average Dried Weight: 45 lbs/ft³ (715 kg/m³)

Basic Specific Gravity: .57

Hardness: 1,560 lb_f (6,940 N)

Bending Strength: 15,500 lb_f/in² (106,900 kPa)

Elasticity: 1,590,000 lb_f/in² (10,970 MPa)

Shrinkage: Radial: 3.0%, Tangential: 6.4%, Volumetric: 10.7%, T/R Ratio: 2.1

Color/Appearance: Heartwood is typically a yellowish brown, occasion will have an either reddish or olive hue. Color tends to darken with age.

Grain/Pore: Afrormosia has a fine texture and small pores. The grain is usually straight, though it can also be interlocked.

Durability: Rated as very durable regarding decay resistance, and is also resistant to termites and other insects.

Workability: In nearly all regards, Afrormosia is easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though surfacing boards with interlocking grain may cause tearout. Other downsides include a slight blunting effect on cutting edges, and the development of dark stains if left in contact with iron in damp conditions. Afrormosia turns, glues, stains, and finishes well.

Smell: Afrormosia has a distinct odor while being worked.

Safety: Although severe reactions are quite uncommon, Afrormosia has been reported as a sensitizer. Usually most common reactions include eye, skin, and respiratory irritation. Afrormosia has also been known to cause nervous system effects, as well as splinters having an increased chance of getting infected. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicity and Wood Dust Safety for more information.

Price Range: Although Afrormosia is considered to be a Teak substitute, it is still an exotic hardwood, and its price can be rather high. Afrormosia can sell for about the same price as Zebrawood: another imported African hardwood.

Comments: Along with Iroko, Afrormosia is sometimes referred to as “African Teak,” though it is not closely related to genuine Teak (Tectona grandis). Afrormosia does look somewhat similar to Teak, has similar working and mechanical properties, and is extremely durable in outdoor applications; for these reasons, it’s used with a fair degree of success as a substitute for Teak.

Some common uses for Afrormosia include: boatbuilding, veneer, flooring, and furniture.