What is Afrormosia?

Afrormosia, sometimes also referred to as assamela, is a particularly valuable type of wood sourced from the tropical rainforest of Central and West Africa. This wood is prized for its durability, beautiful appearance, and versatile applications. Let’s delve deeper into the unique characteristics and uses of Afrormosia, a type of wood often compared to the highly regarded teak.

Origin

Afrormosia is the commercial name for the botanical species Pericopsis elata Van Meeuwen or Afrormosia elata Harms. This tree belongs to the Leguminosae family and grows in the tropical rainforest of countries such as Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Central African Republic. The Afrormosia tree can reach heights of 30 to 45 meters, with a trunk diameter of 80 to 160 cm. The trunk is typically straight and branchless, contributing to the quality of the wood.

Appearance and Structure

The heartwood of Afrormosia is a stunning golden brown that grays with exposure to light, while the sapwood has a pale yellow-brown color. The wood structure is characterized by a slight interlocking grain and sometimes irregularities. Quarter-sawn wood reveals the typical stripes, while plain-sawn wood has a flame-like pattern, making it very decorative.

Durability

One of the most attractive properties of Afrormosia is its durability. The heartwood falls into natural durability class I-II, meaning it is highly resistant to biological degradation. In contrast, the sapwood is less durable, with a classification of V. Afrormosia is also resistant to acids and other chemicals, making it suitable for various applications both indoors and outdoors.

Processing and Finishing

Afrormosia is easy to work with, both by hand and machine. When processing where interlocking grain is present, it is recommended to limit the cutting angle to 20° to prevent tear-out. However, a lot of dust is generated during processing, so good dust extraction is essential. For finishing, both water-based and solvent-based stains and varnishes can be used. The wood should be pre-drilled and fastened with stainless materials such as inox to prevent corrosion from tannins.

Technical Specifications

• Average density: 760 kg/m³ at a wood moisture content of 15%
• Bending strength: 118 N/mm²
• Modulus of elasticity: 13,000 N/mm²
• Compressive strength (parallel to the grain): 67 N/mm²
• Shear strength: 12.6 N/mm²
• Hardness (Janka) – End: 9300 N
• Hardness (Janka) – Side: 7600 N

Applications

Afrormosia is exceptionally suitable for a wide range of applications, including:

• Windows and doors: Due to its durability and aesthetic appeal.
• Cladding: Resistant to the elements and ages beautifully.
• Floors and parquet: For a luxurious appearance and long lifespan.
• Paneling, walls, and ceilings: Gives interiors a warm, natural look.
• Stair treads and railings: Strong and wear-resistant.
• Furniture and interior doors: Elegant and durable options for interior design.
• Turned work, moldings, knobs, and handles: Perfect for decorative elements.
• Veneer: For a high-quality finish on various products.

Commercial Dimensions

Afrormosia is traded in various thicknesses and widths. Some standard dimensions include:

• Thickness: 26 mm and 65 mm
• Fixed widths: Ranging from 80 mm to 205 mm
• Length: 185 cm and longer, averaging 275 cm and longer

Additionally, Afrormosia is also imported in random widths (15.5 cm and wider), with an accepted percentage of 10 to 14 cm.

Conclusion

Afrormosia is a type of wood that more than proves its worth through its durability, workability, and beautiful appearance. Whether for outdoor applications such as cladding and door handles, or for interior design with floors and furniture, Afrormosia offers quality and aesthetics that are hard to surpass. As a sustainable alternative to teak, Afrormosia is an excellent choice for architects, designers, and woodworkers alike.