Is okoume wood durable?
Okoume is not the most durable wood available. It needs a fiberglass or epoxy coating on it because it isn’t rot-resistant. It must be sealed to prevent any moisture from getting in, which is why most okoume panels are painted and finished with epoxy and varnish to prevent any problems from exposure to the elements.
Is okoume wood heavy?
Properties. 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.
What is Okoume plywood used for?
Okoume panels are extensively used by race class boat builders, rowing shell builders and many other applications. Where its lighter weight, good bending properties and ease of finishing are a value, the 5/32″ thickness is used in One Design Kit aircraft and is applicable to a wide variety of homebuilt aircraft.
Is okoume wood toxic?
Allergies/Toxicity: Although severe reactions are quite uncommon, Okoume has been reported to cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation, as well as other effects such as asthma-like symptoms, coughing, and conjunctivitis (pink eye).
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 wood is okoume similar to?
On the Janka scale, a standard measure of wood hardness, Okoume’s rating is only 380. This is similar to the hardness of basswood (367) and redwood (402). Wood used for hardwood flooring is generally from much harder species such as red oak, which has a hardness of 1290.
Is okoume open grain?
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….Okoume.
| Okoume (sanded) | Okoume (sealed) |
|---|---|
| Okoume (endgrain) | Okoume (endgrain 10x) |
What is okoume wood?
Okoume wood is typically a high-quality product coming in 4’ x 8’ two-sided marine grade panels in thicknesses ranging from ⅛” to 1”. It is very soft and plywood made from Okoume are usually not pressure treated.
Do okoume panels need to be sealed?
It needs a fiberglass or epoxy coating on it because it isn’t rot-resistant. It must be sealed to prevent any moisture from getting in, which is why most okoume panels are painted and finished with epoxy and varnish to prevent any problems from exposure to the elements.
Is okoume plywood pressure treated?
It is very soft and plywood made from Okoume are usually not pressure treated. The core can be made from pine, poplar, or hardwood to give it added strength. 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.
What is okoume back 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.