what is okoume plywood

Full Answer

What is okoume marine plywood?

Okoume is one of the tropical hardwoods that is great to use for exteriors and marine applications. With various benefits, lumber however has some drawbacks as well. Besides above, Okoume marine plywood is often difficult to identify for a common person who does not have enough knowledge about the timber.

Where does okoume wood come from?

Okoume wood is a well known species that is commonly found in Central Africa and some other parts of the world. Okoume is largely used as plywood for making furniture and similar objects.

What is okoume used for in construction?

Okoume is primarily used for marine applications, but it can be used for other applications as long as the edges and faces are well sealed. It is the easiest to bend of the marine plywoods making boat construction of the stitch-and-glue variety much easier than if a wood like fir were used.

How much does okoume weigh?

A cubic foot of Okoume weights over 25 pounds. Okoume is primarily used for marine applications, but it can be used for other applications as long as the edges and faces are well sealed. It is the easiest to bend of the marine plywoods making boat construction of the stitch-and-glue variety much easier than if a wood like fir were used.

Is Okoume wood waterproof?

Although not known for its water resistance, Okoume plywood is an exceptional choice for building racing boats as well as for other applications in which strength and light weight are desirable. Kitchen cabinets, furniture, and certain types of packaging may be constructed using this type of plywood.

Is Okoume wood expensive?

Pricing/Availability: Most commonly sold as veneer, Okoume should be moderately priced for an imported hardwood, though highly figured pieces tend to be more expensive.

Where does Okoume wood come from?

Okoume Aucoumea klaineana A. klaineana, or okoume, is a large timber-producing tree native to the west coast of equatorial Africa. It can grow up to 60 m tall, and often has buttresses near the base of the tree that can grow up to 3 m.

Is Okoume wood heavy?

Okoume has a low density, with a mean weight of 25 pounds per cubic foot. It is considered very soft, rendering it unsuitable for use in situations requiring durability, such as flooring. On the Janka scale, a standard measure of wood hardness, Okoume's rating is only 380.

Is Okoume better than mahogany?

Another is a wood known as okoume (sometimes known as gabon from its main country of origin). This wood is softer, and leans toward the warmer side of the classic mahogany tone. Because it is softer, okoume often is used as a laminate, giving it additional rigidity.

How do you stain okoume?

Okoume will take a stain, if anything rather too well as it's quite a porous timber, you may find it a problem to get an even colour. I would advise the use of a slow drying stain, water based rather than spirit, that should give you a better chance of getting it even.

Is Okoume sustainable?

Many of these woods—including Big Leaf Mahogany, Spanish Cedar, Caribbean Pine, Ipe, Rosewood, Teak, Ramin, Merbau, African Mahogany, and Okoume—are difficult to manage sustainably as they typically grow in low densities in natural forests and regenerate poorly after logging.

What is marine grade plywood?

Marine Grade Plywood is an exterior structural panel, sanded on both sides, most commonly made from Douglas fir or Pine. Other species of hardwood may also be used for marine plywood, usually in the Marine (boating) industry.

How do you pronounce Okume?

Phonetic spelling of okoume. ok-oume. oh-kuh-mey.Meanings for okoume.Translations of okoume. Russian : окуме Chinese : 奥古曼

What is Sapele plywood?

Sapele (Plywood) has interlocked, sometimes wavy grain producing a distinctive roe figure on quartered surfaces. Medium texture, high luster, pale yellow sapwood and light red to dark reddish brown heartwood. Sapele works easily enough although surface may tear when planing due to interlocked grain.

What wood is mahogany?

There are many species of mahogany, mainly grown in North and Central America. Known for its straight grain and characteristic red brown colour, it polishes and oils very well and can be buffed to a very high shine. An exceptionally durable hardwood, it is the ideal choice for furniture and fittings around the home.

What is Gaboon plywood?

Plywood – Gaboon Marine Plywood 2500 x 1200mm Marine plywood is a specially treated plywood that is designed to resist rotting in a high-moisture environment. Marine plywood is frequently used in the construction of docks and boats.

Is okoume wood good for guitars?

With beautiful luster and light weight (it's been used for decades in boat and airplane building) Okoume is ideal for electric guitars. Sonically, it's similar to Mahogany, but with a brighter high end and more dynamic range. It glues easily and finishes very well.

Is Okume a mahogany?

The name Okoume Mahogany is a misnomer, because it's not true mahogany. By law, no Okoume logs can leave the country of Gabon, where Joubert's Okoume comes from. The veneer mill has to be in Gabon where it can benefit the local economy.

What kind of wood is okoume?

This is the commercial name for timber that comes from the tree Aucoumea klaineana, an African hardwood also known as “Gaboon” or alternately “Angouma.” It has been widely used throughout Europe over the past century.

Is Okoume sustainable?

Many of these woods—including Big Leaf Mahogany, Spanish Cedar, Caribbean Pine, Ipe, Rosewood, Teak, Ramin, Merbau, African Mahogany, and Okoume—are difficult to manage sustainably as they typically grow in low densities in natural forests and regenerate poorly after logging.

What is Okoume Plywood Used for?

While solid lumber is available around its native range and where it grows locally, imports to the US and other countries are mostly done in the form of veneers and plywood .

What color is Okoume wood?

You can tell the lustrous Okoume wood by its unique heartwood color which is usually pinkish-brown to light red with a fine, uniform texture.

What is Okoume used for?

Okoume is one of the tropical hardwoods that is great to use for exteriors and marine applications.

Where do Okoume trees grow?

Okoume tree (Aucoumea klaineana) is typically a species native to west-central Africa, especially the regions such as Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, and the Republic of Congo.

What type of wood is used for flooring?

Wood flooring generally requires the timber from much harder species like red oak

Is Okoume good for acoustic guitars?

Not as good as mahogany, but Okoume is also many times used for acoustic guitars due to its lighter weight and dynamic tones.

Does wood darken with age?

If you cut the wood and leave it exposed to air and light, it may darken with age.

Where to Buy Okoume Plywood from (Best Price & Worldwide Delivery)?

Looking for the best place to buy Okoume plywood from, in your budget and required dimensions of size and shape? Visit CameroonTimberExportSarl.

What is plywood used for?

The plywood is used for a variety of woodwork projects, ranging from furniture making, boat building, and building attractive wood items/objects. It is most commonly used for building boats and other lightweight wood items. Since it has a naturally beautiful and luxurious look, it is also used for making kitchen cabinets and modern furniture.

Can you use Okoume as plywood?

Our Okoume timber is ready to be used as plywood or for any other woodworking projects.

Is wood waterproof for boating?

It is mainly used for building boats that are near-waterproof. That said, the wood is not exactly waterproof and needs a layer of adhesive or glue to make it water-resistant. Since it’s a strong hardwood and bends easily, it serves well for the purpose of boat building.

Is Okoume plywood durable?

Large pores of Okoume make it not so durable and poorly resistant to insects and rot. Also, it must be protected with a layer of glue or some sealant to protect from moisture when used for boatbuilding. It is recommended to paint Okoume plywood with varnish to make it more resistant to environmental elements.

What is the specific gravity of Okoume plywood?

It has a specific gravity of .43 and averages 27 pounds per cubic foot. The main drawback of Okoume is that it has no rot resistance.

Is Okoume plywood rot resistant?

The main drawback of Okoume is that it has no rot resistance. Therefore it is very important that all edges and faces are thoroughly sealed with epoxy and varnish to keep water from penetrating into the plywood. Okoume grows rapidly and regenerates well in clearings which makes it a very renewable.

What is Okoume Plywood?

Okoume Marine Plywood, which is sometimes referred to as Gaboon Marine Plywood, is a BS 1088 Lloyd’s Register rotary-cut plywood. It is suitable for marine applications and boat building. It is lightweight, flexible and has good strength. It is often used to sheath kayaks.

Is marine plywood water proof?

Marine Plywood, like any plywood, is made up of several thin layers of veneer, or laminates. The layers of wood used in marine plywood are not treated to be rot resistant. The glues used to hold the laminates together are water proof. This means that if the plywood is exposed to dampness or water that it will be less likely to de-laminate.

What is Okoume plywood made of?

Okoume plywood made from the wood of the Okoume tree. The core of Okoume Marine plywood can be made from pine, poplar To give it added strength.

What is the color of Okoume plywood?

BS-1088 British Standard for marine plywood. Okoume is also known as Gaboon or Combogala and Okoume Mahogany. It has is pinkish-brown or pale red hue color. Okoume plywood has a high strength to weight ratio. Due to its excellent properties, it is the first choice for racing boats, kitchen cabinetmaking, furniture, ...

What are the disadvantages of Okoume plywood?

You must know the disadvantages before using Okoume Marine Plywood. No Rot Resistance: Okoume plywood is not chemically treated. Which is likely to cause termites and fungus. If it is not maintained on time, it starts to rot within a few months.

Is Okoume plywood good for boats?

Okoume is mainly demand for exterior and marine applications. Boats making: Okoume plywood can be easily folded due to its la meness properties. These properties make it easier to use in making boats and their parts. This is a good durable material.

Can marine grade plywood bend?

Can bend or sag: Yes, Marine or other commercial plywood Can bend or sag when longer pieces are used. Therefore, solid wood is need to the support for large pieces. Read another articles. Marine-Grade Plywood vs Pressure Treated Plywood.

Is marine plywood the same as solid wood?

Availability: Available in different thicknesses and size options. We can choose marine plywood in many sizes as per our requirements. Whereas solid wood has to be made in the proper size and thickness on work requirement.

Is marine plywood stronger than plywood?

Durability and Strength: No other plywood is more durable than marine-grade plywood. Marine Plywood is always better than common plywood, even if you want to use it for exterior, interior, and marine applications. This will always give a better response.

How thick is Okoume veneer?

Back veneer is to have no more than two repairs. Both Face and Back Veneer are a minimum of 1mm thick after sanding and core gaps cannot exceed 1mm. Okoume is a fast growing, plantation grown tropical hardwood.

What is marine plywood?

Marine Plywood is used as a building material in a marine setting, such as ships or docks. Marine Plywood performs well in wet conditions, humidity, or anywhere it will be exposed to prolonged moisture. Unlike most woods, it will resist the bending, warping, or delaminating which can often result from too much moisture.

What glue is used for wood veneer?

It uses an exterior Water and Boil Proof (WBP) glu e similar to most exterior plywood.

What time does a hardwood plywood distributor call?

Please note our will call hours are from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Monday-Friday by appointment only. As a hardwood plywood distributor, we also make regular deliveries on the East Coast. For delivery minimums to your area please give us a call at 410-244-0055.

Is Okoume plywood BS 1088?

Okoumé Marine plywood is graded as being compliant with BS-1088, which is a British Standard for marine plywood. Our Marine Okoume plywood has a Lloyd’s of London stamp that certifies it to be BS 1088. BS-1088 grading requires the same species throughout (face, back, and core), defect-free A Grade Face veneer with no repairs.

Where is gabon wood used?

Even though it’s used almost exclusively in veneer form in the United States, solid lumber is much more common in Europe and Africa.

What is the color of heartwood?

Color/Appearance: Heartwood ranges from a pale pink to light brown. Color darkens with age. Narrow heartwood is grayish white, not clearly demarcated from heartwood. Grain/Texture: Grain is straight to wavy or slightly interlocked. Texture is medium, with good natural luster.

Is Okoume hardwood a red list?

Sustainability: This wood species is not listed in the CITES Appendices, but is on the IUCN Red List.

Properties and Identification

What Is Okoume Plywood Used for?

Okoume Plywood – The Pros and Cons

• Okoume is one of the tropical hardwoods that is great to use for exteriors and marine applications. With various benefits, lumber, however, has some drawbacks as well. Advantages 1. Highly durable due to added strength 2. It takes the paint, stain, and glue very well 3. Cost-effective and needs less maintenance 4. It can easily be curved, folded, o...

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