Name: Okoumé
Brand: Afromont
Availability: InStock

Specification Details

Specification	Details
Species	Aucoumea klaineana
Common Name	Okoumé (Gaboon)
Hardness (Janka)	430 lbf
Color	Pale pink to light reddish-brown
Grain	Straight to slightly wavy
Texture	Fine to medium
Natural Luster	Medium
Durability	Non-durable to moderately durable
Typical Uses	Marine plywood, interior paneling, furniture

Workability

Okoumé is very easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It cuts cleanly, bends well, and is well suited to rotary peeling, making it ideal for plywood production. It glues, nails, and finishes easily, though its softness requires care to avoid dents.

Common Uses

Marine plywood, interior paneling, furniture components, cabinetry, boat interiors, and decorative veneers.

What Makes Okoumé Unique

Okoumé is best known as the primary wood used in high-quality marine plywood. Its light weight, uniform texture, and excellent bonding properties make it a preferred choice for applications where strength-to-weight ratio and smooth finishes are important.

Why Choose Okoumé

Lightweight: Easy to handle and ideal for weight-sensitive applications
Excellent Plywood Performance: Widely used in marine-grade panels
Smooth Appearance: Fine texture accepts paint and finishes well
Good Workability: Easy machining and shaping

Why You Might Not Choose Okoumé

Low Hardness: Prone to dents and surface damage
Limited Natural Durability: Requires protection for exterior use
Not Ideal for Heavy Wear: Best suited for low-impact applications

Climate Performance & Acclimation

Okoumé should be properly acclimated before interior use. For exterior or marine environments, it must be sealed or used in engineered products such as marine plywood for long-term performance.

Ideal for Lightweight & Marine Applications

Its combination of light weight and smooth surface makes Okoumé ideal for boat interiors, paneling, and painted furniture components.

Color and Grain Stability

Okoumé’s pale tones remain relatively stable, though finishes may deepen its color slightly over time. Clear or painted finishes protect the surface and enhance longevity.