Bilinga
Specification Details
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Species | Nauclea diderrichii |
| Common Name | Bilinga |
| Hardness (Janka) | 1,940 lbf |
| Color | Golden yellow to orange-brown heartwood, becoming darker with age; pale yellow sapwood |
| Grain | Usually interlocked, occasionally wavy |
| Texture | Medium to coarse |
| Natural Luster | Medium |
| Durability | Durable to very durable |
| Typical Uses | Heavy construction, flooring, marine, exterior joinery |
Workability
Bilinga is moderately easy to work, but its interlocked grain can sometimes cause tearout. Sharp tools and careful machining are recommended. It glues, finishes, and polishes well. Pre-drilling is advised for nails and screws, and sanding improves surface smoothness. Dust may cause irritation, so PPE is recommended.
Common Uses
Heavy construction, flooring, exterior joinery, boat building, railway sleepers, bridges, and decking.
What Makes Bilinga Unique
Bilinga is prized for its strength, durability, and attractive golden-brown color. It is often used in demanding structural and marine applications due to its excellent resistance to wear, moisture, and insect attack. Its combination of strength and aesthetic appeal makes it versatile for both functional and decorative purposes.
Why Choose Bilinga
-
High Strength and Durability: Suitable for heavy-duty construction and outdoor use
-
Attractive Appearance: Golden-brown heartwood that develops a rich patina
-
Good Workability: Machines, glues, and finishes well with proper tools
-
Versatile Applications: Strong enough for structural use, yet visually appealing for furniture and flooring
Why You Might Not Choose Bilinga
-
Interlocked Grain: May require care when machining to avoid tearout
-
Coarse Texture: May need sanding or filling for smooth finishes
-
Tool Wear: Hardness can dull cutting edges faster than softer woods
-
Health Sensitivity: Dust can cause irritation; proper PPE is advised
Climate Performance & Acclimation
Bilinga performs well in both interior and exterior environments. Proper acclimation before installation ensures stability and reduces the risk of movement in flooring or furniture.
Ideal for Heavy-Duty and Exterior Projects
Its natural durability and strength make Bilinga ideal for structural applications, marine projects, decking, and high-traffic flooring.
Color and Grain Stability
Bilinga’s golden-brown color darkens slightly over time, creating a rich patina. Clear finishes enhance the natural luster while providing additional protection from wear and moisture.
Popular Applications
-
Heavy construction and structural elements
-
Flooring and decking
-
Marine joinery and boat building
-
Exterior joinery and outdoor furniture
-
Railway sleepers and bridges
Current Design Trends Featuring Bilinga
-
Durable yet aesthetically pleasing flooring
-
Outdoor furniture and decking with natural wood tones
-
Structural and architectural timber accents
-
Sustainable tropical hardwood design
Other Species