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What is Afzelia?
Afzelia: The Versatile African Wood
Discover the strength and beauty of Afzelia, a type of wood that is winning the hearts of wood enthusiasts and designers worldwide. From durable outdoor applications to elegant interior designs, Afzelia offers a world of possibilities.
The Origin of Afzelia
Afzelia, originating from the tropical rainforests and savannas of Africa, is a type of wood that has been valued for centuries for its exceptional properties. The trees can grow up to 25 meters tall with a trunk diameter of about 90 cm, making them impressive not only in size but also in lifespan - some specimens are estimated to be over 200 years old.
For more information about the different types of wood and their unique characteristics, check out our comprehensive guide to wood types.
Varieties and Origin
Belgium imports five botanical species of Afzelia, divided into two main groups: Doussié and non-Doussié. Each type has its own unique characteristics and areas of application.
| Type | Botanical Name | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Doussié | Afzelia bipindensis Harms | Tropical rainforest |
| Non-Doussié | Afzelia africana Sm. | Savanna, tropical forest |
| Afzelia pachyloba Harms | Secondary forest | |
| Afzelia bella Harms | Western tropical forest | |
| Afzelia quanzensis Welm. | Chanfuta from Mozambique |
Physical Characteristics
The heartwood of Afzelia ranges from light ochre to reddish-brown, sometimes displaying striking color variations within a single trunk. The grain is usually even, without pronounced patterns. The sapwood is whitish-yellow and may show flames or vague streaks depending on the sawing method.
A unique feature of Afzelia is the "afzelines" - natural fillings in cracks and vessels. In Doussié, these are yellow, while in other species they can be white or pink. These differences are even visible under UV light, aiding in the identification of the specific Afzelia species.
For tips on how to get the best out of different types of wood for your projects, visit our page on choosing the right type of wood for your project.
Technical Properties
Afzelia is known for its exceptional durability and stability. It falls into the highest natural durability class (class I), meaning it is highly resistant to rot, fungi, and insects. These properties make it particularly suitable for outdoor applications and in humid environments.
| Property | Doussié | Non-Doussié |
|---|---|---|
| Average density | 800 kg/m³ | 800 kg/m³ |
| Radial shrinkage | 0.8% - 0.5% | 0.8% - 0.5% |
| Tangential shrinkage | 1.1% - 0.7% | 1.4% - 0.9% |
| Working | 1.9% - 1.2% | 2.2% - 1.4% |
| Bending strength | 125 N/mm² | - |
| Modulus of elasticity | 14,000 N/mm² | - |
For more detailed information about the technical properties of different types of wood, including Afzelia, you can consult our wood characteristics page.
Applications
Thanks to its versatility and durability, Afzelia is used in a wide range of applications, both indoors and outdoors:
- ✓ Interior and exterior carpentry
- ✓ Flooring and parquet
- ✓ Facade cladding
- ✓ Terraces and garden furniture
- ✓ Construction structures
- ✓ Waterworks and shipbuilding
Explore our collection of wooden garden furniture, including beautiful pieces made from sustainable Afzelia wood.
Processing and Maintenance
Afzelia is relatively easy to work with, although it can produce some dust during the process. A saw angle of 15° is recommended for the best results. It is important to know that untreated Afzelia wood can gray due to UV exposure, and that rainwater can cause stains.
Maintenance Tip:
For the best protection and finish of Afzelia wood, we recommend first applying a pre-treatment with a 5% ammonia solution. This helps dissolve the extractives. Then, it is best to apply a solvent-based finishing layer, followed by a film-forming product such as CTOP.
For more tips on maintaining wooden outdoor furniture, including items made from Afzelia, check out our furniture maintenance guide.