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Okan
Specification Details
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Species | Cylicodiscus gabunensis |
| Common Name | Okan |
| Hardness (Janka) | 2,160 lbf |
| Color | Yellow-brown to dark brown heartwood; lighter sapwood |
| Grain | Straight to slightly interlocked |
| Texture | Medium to coarse |
| Natural Luster | Low |
| Durability | Very durable |
| Typical Uses | Heavy construction, decking, marine, exterior joinery |
Workability
Okan is difficult to work due to its high density and hardness. Sharp, preferably carbide-tipped tools are required. Pre-drilling is essential for nails and screws. It glues and finishes satisfactorily, though its density can make machining slow. Dust may cause irritation, so proper PPE is recommended.
Common Uses
Heavy construction, decking, marine structures, bridges, exterior joinery, flooring, and industrial applications.
What Makes Okan Unique
Okan is known for its exceptional strength and natural durability, even in demanding environments. It is often used as a tropical hardwood alternative to greenheart for heavy-duty and marine applications.
Why Choose Okan
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Extremely Durable: Outstanding resistance to decay, moisture, and insects
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Very Strong: Suitable for heavy structural and load-bearing uses
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Long Service Life: Performs well in harsh conditions
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Minimal Maintenance: Ideal for exterior and marine environments
Why You Might Not Choose Okan
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Very Difficult Workability: Extremely hard and dense
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Heavy Weight: Challenging to handle and transport
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Tool Wear: Rapidly dulls cutting edges
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Health Sensitivity: Dust may cause irritation; PPE recommended
Climate Performance & Acclimation
Okan performs exceptionally well outdoors and in marine environments. Proper seasoning and acclimation are important, particularly for flooring or joinery applications.
Ideal for Heavy-Duty & Exterior Projects
Its unmatched durability makes Okan ideal for decking, marine construction, bridges, and heavy structural applications.
Color and Grain Stability
Okan’s color darkens gradually over time, developing a deep brown patina. Finishes may be applied, though it performs well even unfinished in exterior settings.
Popular Applications
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Decking and outdoor structures
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Marine construction and docks
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Bridges and heavy civil works
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Exterior joinery and gates
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Industrial flooring
Current Design Trends Featuring Okan
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Long-life exterior decking
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Heavy-duty architectural timber
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Low-maintenance outdoor structures
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Sustainable alternatives to traditional marine hardwoods
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