Afrormosia
Pericopsis elata
Afrormosia is a premium African hardwood often considered the best substitute for teak due to its similar appearance, durability, and working properties. This golden-brown wood features excellent natural resistance to decay, insects, and weather, combined with good dimensional stability and workability. Historically used for high-end furniture, boat building, and flooring, Afrormosia is now protected under CITES regulations due to over-harvesting, making sustainably sourced material highly valued.
Janka Hardness
1570 lbf
Moderately hard
Density
45 lbs/ft³
Medium density
Shrinkage
Low (5.8% tangential, 3.4% radial)
Very stable
Appearance
Color: Golden-brown to medium brown heartwood with darker brown streaks. Color deepens with age. Sapwood is pale yellow-white, clearly distinct.
Grain: Straight to interlocked grain with medium to fine texture. Natural luster similar to teak.
Key Characteristics
- •Excellent teak substitute
- •Outstanding natural durability
- •Low shrinkage and swelling
- •Good decay resistance
- •Resists termites and borers
- •Beautiful golden-brown color
Common Applications
Maintenance
Excellent durability with minimal maintenance. Can be left unfinished to weather naturally or oiled to preserve color. Highly resistant to decay in all applications.
Advantages
- +Best known teak substitute
- +Exceptional weather and decay resistance
- +Very stable with minimal movement
- +Works well with hand and power tools
- +Beautiful natural luster
- +Long service life in demanding applications
Considerations
- •CITES regulated - requires documentation
- •High price due to scarcity
- •Limited availability
- •May cause skin and respiratory irritation
- •Color can vary between boards
- •Interlocked grain may cause tearout