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When we want to make furniture, wood is one of the most commonly used materials and it's usually any type of wood.
However, not all materials are created equally; there are a few types of wood that are cherished for their
durability, beauty and versatility.
As there is a large wood database, selecting the right wood is essential, as it helps you to determine the
pricing of the product.
It would also be a deciding factor when you want to restore, resale or remove furniture.
We would go into the different varieties and characteristics of wood. Let's get some facts first.
The total area of timber-area in Africa is 3.6 million km (18% world).
This total area can be subdivided to 2.69 million square kilometers (74%) in Central Africa,
680,000 square kilometers (19%) in West Africa, and 250,000 square kilometers (7%) in East Africa.
Now, to the different types of wood:
Mahogany: Mahogany is one of the most popular hardwood tropical trees. Mahogany wood is prized for its beauty,
durability, and color. It is relatively free of voids and pockets. The color darkens over time.
As a result, it is a popular choice for furniture.
Walnut: Walnut (black walnut) is one of the most popular woods for furniture. The dimensional stability,
shock resistance, strength properties, and the rich coloration are the reasons behind its popularity.
Red Oak: Oak trees are native to the northern hemisphere. There are around 600 species of oak,both deciduous
and evergreen. Oakwood is remarkably strong, heavy, and durable. It is also resistant to fungal attacks.
Ash: Ash trees are medium to large trees that grow in most parts of the world. Ashwood feels smooth to the
touch. It is durable, tough, and flexible. It has excellent nailing, screw holding, and gluing properties.
Hence, carpenters love to work with ash wood. However, it produces a distinct and moderately unpleasant
smell while working on it.
Maple: Maple trees can be found in North Africa. The maple wood is sturdy, resistant to splitting
and durable. It can be wiped clean with a damp cloth, making it ideal for kitchen furniture.
Teak: Teaks are tropical hardwood trees found in African countries e.g. Cameroon, Cote D'Ivoire and
Nigeria. Teakwood is one of the hardest and most durable of all natural woods. It is resistant to rotting,
sunlight, rain, frost, and snow, making it suitable for outdoor construction and furniture. However, it is
expensive and sometimes hard to find.
Wood Quality
There's a lot we put in consideration when classifying wood:
1) Appearance:
Freshly cut timber gives off a sweet smell and shining appearance, which are signs of high quality.
2) Color:
It should also have a dark color. Light color usually indicates less strength.
3) Toughness:
It should be able to endure shocks and vibrations. Usually, woods with narrow annual rings are the toughest.
4) Elasticity:
Elasticity allows the wood to regain its original shape with maximum accuracy. This property plays a
crucial role if the wood is to be used to make sports equipment.
5) Fire Resistance:
The wood should be resistant to fire. Usually, the denser the wood, the higher the resistance.
6) Strength:
It should be able to withstand structural loads, especially in construction.
Whether you're a furniture enthusiast or you just want to buy furniture, knowing about the different types of
wood and their characteristics would help make more informed decisions. Till next week, please be in touch.
If you still have questions, kindly share them with us. We will get back to you as soon as possible. See you soon.
