Meranti Wood: Properties, Characteristics & Uses

Meranti is a durable hardwood with soft to medium density and light or dark golden reddish color, which depends on the origin of the wood. It is primarily used in internal applications and projects such as home/office interior, flooring, furniture, window, moulding, etc. In terms of workability, Meranti cuts, nails, glues, screws and sands easily. The wood is easily available and moderately priced. Here’s everything you need to know about Meranti timber, its properties, uses and availability.

CameroonTimberExportSarl is a leading exporter & seller of Meranti hardwood timber, logs and slabs. We supply to all locations around the world, including Europe, Africa, Australia, Western Asia, and America. For the best quality Meranti wood at cheap prices, contact us today.

Meranti Timber Introduction

Meranti has many types based on the species it is produced from. Some of these include Shorea pauciflora, S. acuminata, S. platycarpa, and S. platyclados. The wood is commonly known as dark red meranti or light red meranti based on its color. It is also sometimes called Philippine Mahogany because of its mahogany-like features and appearance.

Meranti is produced all over the world, but it is native to Indonesia and primarily grows in Kalimantan, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines. In other countries where the wood is not locally produced, it is imported from other regions.

The Meranti trees are generally 65-130 ft tall and have a 3-6 ft trunk diameter. They are averagely strong and have moderate durability. Let us now look at some of the most important meranti wood properties in detail.

Technical specifications

Crushing Strength: 7,070 lbf/in2 (48.8 MPa)
Modulus of Rupture: 12,710 lbf/in2 (87.7 MPa)
Average Dried Weight: 42 lbs/ft3 (675 kg/m3)
Janka Hardness: 800 lbf (3,570 N)
Elastic Modulus: 1,743,000 lbf/in2 (12.02 GPa)
Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC): .55, .68
Shrinkage: Radial: 3.9%, Tangential: 7.8%, Volumetric: 12.5%, T/R Ratio: 2.0

Meranti Wood Properties, Pros & Cons

Color: Depending on the type, Meranti can be light red or dark red (heartwood) and has a lighter sapwood, but the dark reddish wood with white resin streaks is the most common.

Grain: Meranti wood grain is normally straight but can also be interlocked and has a coarse texture with a low natural lustre.

Endgrain: It is rather easy to identify Meranti wood because of its porous end-grain, having large or very large pores in no fixed arrangement.

Resistance & Durability: Meranti is generally soft or medium hard and rated as moderately durable. It has decent resistance to decay but is prone to insect attack, bugs and marine borders. The wood has average hardness and is relatively stable.

Workability: The best thing about Meranti is that it is easy to work with both hands and machines. The wood glues, stains, paints and finishes well. It is also easy to nail and has good sticking properties. However, the presence of interlocked grain can sometimes lead to troubles during planing. Some species having a little silica content can cause a blunting effect on woodworking tools. Also, Meranti is known to be poorly responsive to steam-bending.

Drying: Meranti is reported to dry easily and rapidly. In just about 2 to 3 months, the moisture content in wood can reduce from 60 per cent to 18 per cent when kept in the open air under covers. It undergoes little degradation when naturally drying.

Meranti Wood Types

Meranti can have different species based on origin and properties. The most common ones include Dark Red Meranti, White Meranti, Yellow Meranti and Light Red Meranti.

As the name suggests, the main difference is in color. Light Red Meranti has a pale straw color, while dark red Meranti is dark reddish or brown. While Meranti has a yellowish-orange heartwood, and Yellow Meranti is yellowish-brown. Other properties are nearly the same.

Meranti Wood Uses

Meranti has poor or moderate durability and rot resistance, which is why it is generally preferred for interior work. Due to the above listed meranti wood properties it is Commonly used as plywood, flooring, interior furniture, veneering, construction, windows, doors, joinery, and boatbuilding.

Meranti Wood Price & Availability

Meranti is widely harvested and grows in many locations around the world. It is therefore easily available. Even the imported wood has a moderate price because of its easy and ample availability. However, some species of this wood are added to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and may not be as easily available. Contact your local wood supplier or Cameroon Timber Export Sarl for details.

Your search for a reliable Meranti wood supplier/exporter ends here. We can provide top-quality wood products at the best price in the market with outstanding after-sales support. Contact us today to know more.

November 12, 2021

Understanding the Wood Kiln Drying Process & Why It Is Important

Wood Kiln Drying Process involves the use of a kiln – a type of oven – to manually reduce the moisture content of wood in order to improve its workability and efficiency. Heat treatment, air drying, etc. are some other popular timber drying methods.

Here at CameroonTimberExportSarl, we use kiln drying as a standard approach to dry woods with high moisture content. Other than that, we also use the air-drying method of drying timber. Besides using kiln drying for our own in-house wood production and processing, we also provide wood drying services to other wood dealers and manufacturers in the region. Contact us or visit our website for details.

What is Wood Kiln Drying?

Kiln drying is a wood drying method used by wood production and processing mills primarily to reduce moisture content in freshly felled green lumber to make them workable and improve the quality. It involves the use of an oven-like machine called a kiln to manually extract excess moisture out of wood.

Wood that has been treated through kiln drying possess is called kiln-dried wood. Kilns are designed such that a custom atmosphere with specific temperature, humidity, and steam levels can be created for wood treatment. It’s a reportedly faster and more efficient method than air drying.

A typical kiln is made of the following four components:

Kiln chamber – usually made of bricks, concrete or aluminium.
A powerful source of heat
Humidifiers to create proper humidity conditions
Fans to provide air circulation

Why is Kiln Drying Used?

Drying fresh wood is important for many reasons. The high moisture levels in wood can lead to a range of problems, including poor workability, warping & twisting and poor overall efficiency. High moisture levels in wood do not just cause problems during production and processing but can cost significantly in damages when in use.

Kiln drying helps bring moisture levels down to a workable range so that the above-mentioned problems are reduced to a great extent.

Drying is a crucial part of the timber manufacturing/production process, which helps ensure the end products are of optimal quality and do not have excess moisture that can cause troubles later on. Wet wood is not good for many things. It cannot be used as it is for anything from firewood to construction and other projects. Moreover, the use of green lumber can cause significant damage to the entire project over time.

Without kiln drying, the fresh wood will start drying naturally over time, thus losing its moisture content and causing twists, warps or shrinks, which will not be an ideal thing for any project.

Kiln drying is considered even better than the natural wood drying process. Here’s why.

Once the tree is felled, it starts losing its moisture supply and would start drying at a rapid pace. However, that rapid drying and moisture loss can cause significant damage to the wood’s quality. Kiln drying, on the other hand, would systematically extract the moisture out of wood without causing damage to the wood itself.

Kiln drying has many benefits over other wood drying methods. Kiln-dried wood is lightweight, doesn’t warp or develop cracks over time, is highly durable and has the lowest moisture levels. The dying process not only removes moisture quickly but also kills many insects, eggs and bugs in the wood, increasing its life and value.

The Wood Kiln Drying Process

The kiln drying process involves the use of a kiln to dry the wood using heated air. The method involves the following steps:

1. Sorting of logs: After the trees are felled and logs are brought to the mill, they are first debarked and then sorted into groups based on species, size or purpose.

2. Sawing: Big logs are sawn into smaller, rough boards of different dimensions and sizes for different end-use.

3. Kiln drying: After sorting and sawing, logs or timber are fed to the kiln machine, where they are treated with circulating heated air for a specific period to rapidly remove any excess moisture content from the wood. The treatment time, kiln temperature, air pressure, etc. are preset based on the target moisture content levels. To optimize the drying process, wood is fed in the kiln in batches sorted by wood species and dimensions.
Sometimes, the drying process needs to be repeated multiple times, depending on timber species, size and moisture content, in different temperature/airflow/humidity settings to achieve the right Equilibrium Moisture Content (EMC) to reach the desired moisture content levels.

4. Planing: Immediately after kiln drying, the timber is sent through the planer for planing according to the required final dimensions and size. Then, it is packaged and shipped out.

However, one should know that kiln drying, or any other method of wood drying for that matter, will not make the wood 100% free of or resistant to moisture. It is the nature of wood to attract and react with moisture. Unless the timber is fully sealed, it will keep interacting with and absorbing moisture in its environment.

Contact us (CameroonTimberExportSarl) for kiln wood drying services or to purchase the best quality kiln-dried timber at the guaranteed lowest price.

October 29, 2021

Top Mahogany Wood Advantages and Disadvantages in Detail

Advantages and Disadvantages of mahogany wood

Due to the various mahogany wood advantages and disadvantages, it is arguably the most popular and used wood timbers in the world. The high popularity of mahogany wood is owed to its beautiful appearance, robustness and decent durability. Mahogany doesn’t just look premium but it also comes with a premium price tag, which is why its use is common in high-end construction, valuable furniture, flooring, instruments, etc.

you are looking to buy the best quality Mahogany timber with doorstep delivery anywhere in the world, contact CameroonTimberExportSarl for the best price. We provide top quality mahogany wood in both standard and custom sizes and also accept bulk orders.

In this article, we will discuss the various properties of mahogany wood, including its advantages and disadvantages.

Mahogany Basic Properties

Mahogany is available in different species based on origin, and each of these species has slightly different properties than others.

Some of the basic properties of mahogany (African) are as follows:

Tree Size: 100-130 ft (30-40 m) tall, 3-5 ft (1-1.5 m) trunk diameter

Hardness: 1,070 lbf (4,760 N)

Color: Heartwood is pale pink to reddish-brown, sometimes with reddish-brown streaks

Grain: Interlocked, with a medium to coarse texture

Rot Resistance: Moderately durable; moderate insect/borer resistance

Workability: Easy to work, glue, and finish

Mahogany Wood Species

Mahogany wood is found in a variety of species, of which the most common are mahogany Cuba, Honduran, South American mahogany, and African mahogany.

Different mahogany species may have different properties, but the species coming from the same family will usually have similar characteristics, colour, strength, etc.

Mahogany Wood Advantages and Disadvantages

Whether you are planning to use mahogany for a woodworking project or are just curious about the wood, reading about the various pros and cons of mahogany might help you make the right decision.

Mahogany Advantages

Mahogany is a great timber for many reasons. Some of the top advantages of mahogany include:

Excellent Workability: Mahogany is great to work with. It’s easy to cut, sand, machine and glue. The straight and consistent grain pattern of mahogany make it carpenters’ wood of choice. It is also easy to carve on mahogany. Mahogany wood also works well with both hand tools and machines. It holds paint and polish well and need not be re-polished for at least a few decades. Also, the wood is easy to nail and screw.

Great Stability: Compared to other wood species, mahogany depicts much better dimensional stability. The wood doesn’t shrink or expand much with time. Even during seasonal changes, mahogany only shrinks or swells small enough to go unnoticed.

Good Resistance: Though mahogany is not as good as teak and other highly durable timbers when it comes to rot resistance, it still shows decent resistance to rot and insects. The older the mahogany tree, the higher would be its durability. Some species of mahogany are found to be extremely durable. For instance, Fijan mahogany was rated 2 in a durability test. Thanks to the high durability and resistance of mahogany, the products made of this wood can easily last for decades and require less maintenance. Mahogany is also somewhat resistant to water and moisture and fairs well in outdoor conditions.

Beautiful Appearance: One of the best things about mahogany is its beautiful look. Both the color and grain of mahogany are attractive. It can exhibit both a plain and a sophisticated look at the same time. Mahogany looks perfect for almost every purpose, ranging from flooring to premium furniture and robust outdoor furniture. It is said that mahogany gets even more appealing with time. Moreover, the mahogany color is uniform throughout the tree, which makes the timber always look great no matter the project.

Available in Large Sizes: Mahogany trees are generally very tall and broad, and so it is easy to cut lumber in large sizes. The lumber acquired from mahogany trees is normally clear of any defects, knots, etc. Being a very famous wood species, mahogany is easily available in different sizes.

Mahogany Disadvantages

While Mahogany is a premium grade timber and suitable for almost all purposes, it may have some disadvantages as well. Some of the limitations of mahogany timber include:

Expensive: Though mahogany is generously available in many locations around the world, its huge demand makes mahogany somewhat expensive than other timbers. Also, the availability has reduced over the years due to the increasing demand.

Not Extremely Durable: Mahogany is only decent durable and has basic rot resistance. To further increase its strength and durability, the wood must be treated.

Large Varieties with Different Colors: Mahogany is available in many varieties, almost all of which have different colors. So, it can be sometimes difficult to find the right species with the right color in the middle of a project.

Some people also complain that mahogany is too heavy and gets darker over time, which may or may not be true depending on which species you are working with.

Want to know more about mahogany timber or have a question? Contact us to ask an expert.

October 20, 2021

What Are the Different Types of Engineered Wood?

Engineered wood is artificial wood that is made by using natural wood (softwoods and hardwoods) and a variety of additives like adhesives. Different types of engineered wood are considerably cheaper than natural wood because it is made from waste wood (coming out of sawmills) and rejected wood but can be equally strong or even better.

To increase its strength and durability, engineered wood is often treated through various processes. Also, these woods can be manufactured in custom sizes to fit specific requirements of certain premises.

Note: CameroonTimberExportSarl is a leading supplier and global exporter of top quality African timber sawn wood and logs with guaranteed on-time delivery. Contact us to enquire.

Benefits of Engineered Wood

Engineered wood has many benefits over natural wood timber, such as:

These can be stronger than some natural wood species; Can have more durability and better insect resistance;
Looks almost the same as natural wood;
It comes in custom sizes and can be manufactured to fit any place;
Engineered wood is less costly than natural hardwood;
Suitable for a range of purposes, from flooring to furniture, construction, interior design and more;
Engineered wood is sustainable because it is generally made from the waste parts of a tree that are generally rejected when making timber.

9 Different Types of Engineered Wood

Depending on quality, strength and design, different types of engineered wood are categorised as follows:

Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL)
Laminated Strand Lumber (LSL)
Oriented strand board (OSB)
Plywood
- AB
- AC
- CDX
High-density fiberboard (HDF)
Medium-density fiberboard (MDF)
Composite board
Cross-laminated timber (CLT)
I-Joists

1. Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL)

LVL is made by compressing wood veneers together using resins and glues. This engineered wood is very strong and highly dense and can be used in a variety of projects, including framing. Veneers in the LVL wood are stacked such that grain is in the same direction, which is why it has a single strength axis and can take the load in one direction.

2. Laminated Strand Lumber (LSL)

This type of engineered wood is made by combining small wood strips – called strands – in a dense pattern such that the result is a high-quality, strong and dense wood product. LSL is primarily made by using wood fiber and resin. It can easily take heavy loads and is about 3 times costlier than natural wood because of the high demand.

3. Plywood

Plywood is a wood sheet that is made by combining thin layers of wood (plies) or veneer together using glue. Plywood is generally one of the most popular types of engineered wood and a common choice for builders. This composite wood is made by combing resin and fiber sheets together and has extraordinary strength and stability because of its cross-grain structure.

The two sides of plywood are made with veneers, which can be of different types depending on the quality. The common types of veneers used in plywood are A, B, C, D, and X, where A-grade veneer is of the highest quality and the D-grade is for the lowest quality, while X indicates plywoods that are suitable for external use.

CDX plywoods, for instance, have C-grade veneer on one side and D-grade on the other side and are suitable for outdoor use.

4. Oriented Strand Board (OSB)

This is a type of wood sheet or board that is formed by compressing wood strands or flakes together with adhesives. OSB sheets are primarily used in flooring, roof decking and other load-bearing applications. OSBs can be further categorised into other types based on strength, moisture resistance, and whether or not the board is sanded.

5. High-Density Fiberboard (HDF)

Fiberwood is a type of engineered wood made using fiber and glue. Based on the density, it can be of different types, including HDF, MDF and LDF.

High-density fiberboard, or commonly known as hardboard, is made by combining wood pulp with glue in a densely packed structure. It is strong, hard and can be used in a variety of projects including for making curved items.

6. Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF)

MDF is formed by combining fibers (made by breaking down hardwood and softwood pieces) with wax and resin into panels under high temperature and pressure. It is highly dense and can withstand moisture and insect attacks, depending on the quality.

7. Composite Board

Any wood that is formed by combining two different items is composite wood or board. MDF and OSB are popular examples. Composite engineers boards can have both wood fiber and plastic content and are sustainable and cost-effective.

8. Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT)

Cross-laminated timber is engineered wood made by combining the layers of solid sawn timber panels in a cross form using glue such that each layer is perpendicular to the next. The result is a stronger wood with a flexible design and excellent insulation capabilities.

9. I-Joists

I-joists are a special kind of engineered wood that is designed to take heavy loads. These are suitable to use in all kinds of building structures, especially in areas with heavy loads, including floors and roofs.

For all your timber needs for composite wood and engineered wood, contact CameroonTimberExportSarl to buy premium quality wood timber at the best price online with worldwide delivery.

October 13, 2021

5 Ideal Woods for External Timber Cladding

External Timber cladding refers to the use of wood on another surface, usually walls and exterior of a place. The use of timber adds strength, durability and natural beauty to the exterior walls.

If you are looking for the best wood for your next cladding project, you are at the right place. Here’s everything you need to know about it, including the best wood species for cladding.

It is a type of popular finish for the exterior of buildings. It refers to attaching wood slabs to a primary structure (wall, etc.), generally to increase its strength and appearance.

It is made by processing wood to a certain profile. Depending on the type of timber used in cladding and the profile, it can be of many types, such as v-groove, shiplap, shadow gap, half-lap, and others.

Since one of the reasons to use cladding is durability, lumber species with good natural durability and beauty are preferred for external projects. And thankfully, there are many options to choose from. A large number of timber species, such as European larch, have been found to be useful in building cladding for building exterior.

Though cladding is made from many other materials, wood is preferred because of its high durability as well as aesthetic appeal. Not just homeowners and public properties, many commercial properties are also increasingly using it as a great way to add both protection and appeal to their building exterior. On top of everything, it is also favourable to the environment as compared to many other building materials, which is another reason why people are being inclined to them.

Benefits of Using External timber cladding

One of the primary reasons why people choose timber cladding is that it adds beauty and a natural look to the place.
Also, it is sustainable and environmentally friendly as opposed to other construction materials.
It’s easy to install, change, customise or replace.
It can fit any budget, as cladding is available in a wide range of timber species.
And last but not the least, it is also known to provide outstanding insulation against temperature, sound, etc.

Now, let’s come to the main point. What’s the best wood for cladding?

Top 5 Woods for External Timber Cladding

Depending on your budget and needs, you can choose from a variety of lumber options. Red Cedar, considered the most stable of the softwoods, is a good choice for cladding boards. Exterior wood cladding must not only match your building style and look but also should be durable enough. Depending on your location, the wood cladding must be strong enough to withstand natural elements like rain, sun, snow, wind, etc.

At the same time, it should have decent resistance to insect and fungal attacks. In addition to this natural durability, dimensional stability is key to ensure that the timber remains structurally sound and maintains its shape over time.

If you are looking for the best wood for your external cladding project, here are some of our best options.

Iroko

Native to the west coast of tropical Africa, iroko wood is extensively used for decking, flooring, furniture, and cladding. It’s often called African teak because of its teak-like look and properties. The hardwood looks beautiful in its yellowish-brown colour and has extraordinary strength and durability. It’s naturally resistant to insect attacks.

Iroko is one of the oldest wood species in Africa. Did you know many iroko trees live up to 500 years or more? The slow growth rate of these trees is one of the reasons why the timber is so strong and dense, making it a perfect choice of wood for exterior cladding.

Oak

Oak is highly durable and dense, including european oak, and can withstand a variety of insect attacks as well as natural phenomena. It is very tough and strong and lasts for decades, which make it a good choice for exterior cladding as well as a range of other exterior projects like furniture and flooring. Oak cladding, including european oak, also looks beautiful and has a unique appearance.

Sapele

Sapele is a West African hardwood found exclusively in tropical rainforests. It is primarily used in flooring, furniture, panelling and cladding. Being an exotic wood, Sapele can be expensive depending on where you buy it from.

Sapele looks somewhat like mahogany and gives a wonderful appearance when used in exterior furniture and cladding. It’s also exceptionally durable and has good resistance to rot and insects.

Zebrano

Famous for its unique, zebra-like appearance, Zebrano is a highly durable wood that not only looks good but is also quite strong. It originates in West Africa and is commonly used for flooring, furniture making and cladding. The wood is dark brown with natural zebra-like stripes. Zebrano is highly durable and can withstand all kinds of natural phenomena. It’s also naturally resistant to insect attacks.

Wenge

Wenge is a premium lumber like Zebrano. It grows in central and western tropical African and is widely used in furniture, flooring, cladding, among others.

Not only wenge wood looks exceptionally good in its natural dark brown colour with black streaks but also it’s extremely durable. The lumber is very hard, dense and naturally resistant to termite attacks.

Where to Buy Quality Wood for External Timber Cladding?

CameroonTimberExportSarl is a wholesale exporter of lumber in 20+ countries. We deal in a large variety of wood species, all produced, sawn and processed locally in our Cameroon mill. Contact us to buy the best quality wood for external cladding at the best price in the market.

October 8, 2021

Cedar Vs Pressure Treated Pine Fence: A Brief Comparison Guide

When it comes to fence, cedar and pine are the two most popular materials to choose from, but choosing between them can be difficult. Cedar Vs Pressure Treated Pine Fence both of them have their own pros and cons and Sometimes buyers end up buying both due to their unique characteristics.

This article will draw a clear line between cedar and pine wood with the aim of helping you make the right decision for your fence or any other woodwork.

What is Cedar?

Cedar (Cedrus) is not actually a particular species of wood, but it is a combination of several species of wood, including northern white cedar, western red cedar, Australian red cedar, Spanish cedar, fragrant red cedar, incense cedar, and many more. It is used very commonly for fences but it is also a popular choice for quality furniture making.

Cedar is used where great appearance and durability are required. Its qualities include. These qualities make it suitable for outdoor applications. However, the list of qualities doesn’t end here and these unique qualities separate it rest of the softwoods.

What is Pine Fence?

Along with chemical treatment, pine also requires pressure-treated to withstand the elements and other wear and tear. It loses its natural look and can have a pale green color in places.

Cedar Vs Pine Fence: Main Difference

Some of the key differences between Cedar and Pine Fence are engraved in the table below.

Properties	Cedar	Pine
Weight	Low	High
Workability	Good Workability	Better workability
Availability	Rarer and harder to find	Readily available
Water-Resistant	Good moisture resistant	Low moisture resistant
Price	High	Low
Used	Outdoor tables, yard furniture, wardrobes, chests, musical instruments	Cabinets, wardrobes, tables, and drawers, frames (windows and doors), interior design & decoration, flooring, and decking.

Pressure Treated Pine Fence Vs Cedar: Some Important Facts

Some other things that businesses and people will be interested to know are durability, lifespan, and environmental concerns.

If we talk about durability, then cedar is the stronger and more durable type of wood. It doesn’t require any special treatment and stands up well to the elements. Cedar also possesses a low chance of shrinking and warping.

Pine possesses the risk of warping, shrinking, and even buckling. It is not suggested for outdoor furniture. It can lose shape and color in just a few years. However, Pine is not on the losing side every time, pine got pressure-treated, and due to which it shows more resistance to the soil. That’s why people choose pine for fence posts.

It is important to know the lifespan of the wood before buying and using it, in the case of cedar and pine, cedar easily wins the debate with almost twice the lifespan. While the average lifespan of pine is 10 to 15 years, pine can live anywhere from 20 to 25 years. Meanwhile, it is suggested that whether you choose cedar or pine wood, keep checking and cleaning them regularly to increase their lifespan.

If the effect on the environment is a concern then, we would like to inform you that Cedar is one of the most eco-friendly options for you. It is because it doesn’t require any chemical treatment, but pine does.

Cedar Vs Pressure Treated Pine Fence: Which One Should you Choose?

Cedar and pine are good for making furniture but if you are looking for wood species for outdoor furniture then cedar is a better option. However, cedar is very expensive and hard to find compared to many other softwoods. Additionally, cedar is much better than cedar if you care about workability.

Neither Cedar nor Pine are waterproof and cannot resist constant exposure to water or moisture. However, cedar is preferred for the outdoor wooden stuff, and it is naturally rot-resistant and environment-friendly too.

So, the difference is clear and now it is time to place your order. Contact CameroonTimberExportSarl now to get more details about our wood species, availability, delivery, and prices.

October 4, 2021

CDX vs OSB: Know the Difference & Which One Should You Choose

CDX vs OSB, here is a brief comparison between two of the most common types of engineered wood popular these days. Engineered wood is made by combining real wood with other materials using glue or other adhesives. Engineered wood is not real solid wood.

It might be helpful to know about CDX and OSB engineered wood products, including their basic properties, characteristics, advantages, price, differences, and uses so that you can choose & buy the best-engineered wood for your project. Let’s start.

CameroonTimberExportSarl is a leading provider of premium-grade African wood and timber in a large variety of species. Contact us to buy quality timber at the best price online.

What is CDX?

CDX is veneer plywood that is made by combining multiple thin veneer sheets of wood together using glue and high pressure. C and D are representations of the quality/grades of either side of the plywood. While the C grade sheet is used on the top surface, D grade sheets are generally used inside. As you may probably assume, the grades of the wood are based on the veneer quality. The higher the grade means the better the wood quality.

The C and D grade woods used in CDX are of medium quality, of which the C grade sheet is better and is, therefore, used on the outer surface.

The letter “X” in CDX stands for exposure, which indicates the wood can withstand a little exposure to moisture and insect attacks, but not for a long duration.

CDX is quite strong and durable and is extensively used in bathrooms and other areas with humidity. However, CDX furniture and items should not be kept in direct exposure to rain for a long period.

What is OSB?

OSB stands for Oriented strand board and is made by compressing wood chips, resins and waterproof adhesive together into a sheet. Isocyanate glue and Phenol-Formaldehyde (PF) are two of the most common types of glue used to form OSB. While Isocyanate glue is generally applied in the inner core, Phenol-Formaldehyde (PF) is used on the outer layers.

Depending on the Quality and Use, Osb Wood Can Be Divided into the Following Four Categories:

OSB/1 – Average quality – suitable for general purposes such as indoor furniture.
OSB/2 – Medium quality structural panel – suitable for flooring, crating, and building panels.
OSB/3 – Good quality load-bearing boards – used mainly in humid conditions because of good moisture resistance.
OSB/4 – Very good quality heavy duty wood – used in humid conditions, for making load-bearing beams, floor trusses, and outside sheathing.

OSB vs. CDX – What is The Difference?

PROPERTIES	OSB	CDX
Weight	High	Low
Workability	Not so easy to work	Easy to work
Availability	Easily available	Available in short panels only
Water-Resistant	Good moisture resistant	Low moisture resistant
Price	Low	High
Uses	Roof sheathing, walls, floors	roof sheathing, flooring, and exterior walls

Applications

Let us compare CDX vs OSB on the basis of applications in which they are used, Both oriented strand board and CDX have different properties and features but they can be used for similar tasks.

Due to the strength and hardness of CDX, it is widely used for flooring purposes. The CDX remains undamaged even after applying a lot of pressure.

Osb on the other hand is more moisture resistant and is widely used for decking purposes. The oriented strand board does not get rotten even after long exposure to water, but a sheet of coating must be used over the edges, to prevent the absorption of water.

If you are looking to build a house with either OSB or CDX, you just can’t. Both the boards have different properties and are usable for different tasks altogether. So, it’s better to understand the pros and cons of both the wood boards before using them.

OSB vs CDX: Which One Should You Choose?

Both CDX and OSB are popular types of engineered wood. Which you should choose will entirely depend on your particular project and goals.

CDX is stronger than OSB but does not have high resistance to moisture. It is durable though and ideal for use in the roof sheathing, flooring, and other places of low humidity. Since it’s very strong and has a cross structure, the wood can withstand the considerable weight.

OSB usage is ideal in places with medium humidity. It is not as strong as CDX but can withstand exposure to moisture for a short period. The most common uses are for walls, floors, and roof sheathing.

Neither OSB nor CDX are fully waterproof and cannot withstand constant exposure to water or moisture. OSB can withstand moisture for a longer period because of its gapless structure and the presence of resin inside, but it may change shape with time and exposure to moisture. CDX has low resistance to moisture, however, treated CDX is better, more durable and has improved resistance to termites and rot.

September 29, 2021

LATIN AMERICA’S NO #1 WOOD SUPPLIER AT WHOLESALE PRICES (Honduras, Brazil, Costa Rica, Colombia, Panama, Ecuador)

Are you looking to buy wood from the best reliable timber supplier in Latin America (Honduras, Brazil, Costa Rica, Colombia, Panama, Ecuador)? Then, you’re at the right place. Today, we are going to talk about the No. 1 most trusted wood supplier in the whole of Latin America and the best place to buy timber at wholesale price with doorstep delivery in America.

Let’s get started.

CameroonTimberExportSarl – NO #1 Latin America Wood Supplier At Wholesale Prices

For over 30 years now, CameroonTimberExportSarl has been a leading and most trusted supplier of African wood and timber in all of Latin America. We ship to all major cities and countries in Latin America and take full guarantee of best quality wood delivered on time.

CameroonTimberExportSarl deals in sustainable harvesting of high-quality timber in over a hundred African species. All wood is locally processed in our Cameroon mill located in Douala. We have employed the best artisans and woodworkers with extensive experience in the industry and the ability to handle the wood with care.

We export to all locations in Latin America, including Honduras, Brazil, Costa Rica, Colombia, Panama, and Ecuador.

Wood Supplier Honduras

We are a leading wood supplier in Honduras and deliver to all major cities of the Central American Country, including Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, La Ceiba, and Danli. We have partnered with many small and big merchants around the country and fulfil their timber needs with timely delivery and the best quality guarantee.

Timber Supplier Brazil

As a premier timber wood supplier in Brazil, CameroonTimberExportSarl is trusted by hundreds of Brazilian wood merchants and construction workers for their routine wood needs. We guarantee the best quality at the lowest possible price and ship to all major cities, including Sao Paulo, De Janeiro, Brasilia, and Salvador.

Timber Exporter Costa Rica

CameroonTimberExportSarl is a reliable provider, supplier and exporter of timber wood in Costa Rica. For premium grade African timber, hardwood, softwood, logs and slabs, you can contact us at any time and get the wood delivered to your doorstep with guaranteed best quality. All major cities in Costa Rica are served – San Jose, Limon, Alajuela, and Cartago.

Wholesale Wood Supplier Colombia

We work closely with wood merchants and dealers in Columbia to supply our premium grade, best-price wood to all locations around the country. Doorstep shipping is available for all major cities in Colombia – Bogota, Medellin, Cali and Leticia, and you can contact us directly for a discount on wholesale timber orders.

Bulk Timber Distributor Panama

Panama’s leading timber supplier and wholesale wood exporter is now available at your service. Contact us for all your timber needs anywhere in Panama and get on-time delivery to your location with guaranteed best price and quality. All major cities, including Guayaquil, Quito, Cuenca, Domingo and Machala are covered by us.

Top Wood Exporter Ecuador

Looking for a top wood exporter to buy high-grade timber at the best price in Ecuador? CameroonTimberExportSarl can deliver the highest quality timber to your location anywhere in Ecuador with guaranteed best price and on-time delivery. Whether you want one-time timber or looking for a long-term supplier, we promise consistent quality at the best-in-market rates.

We deal in all top African wood/timber species, including but not limited to:

Afromosia	Doussie	Moabi
Anigre	Dabema	Movingui
Azobe	Ekop-beli	Niagon
Bilinga	Iroko	Okan
Black Limba	Ekop-naga	Okoume
Bubinga	Ironwood	Ovangkol
Bilinga	Mahogany	Pachyloba
Cedrela Odorata	Makore	Padauk
Cerejeira	Meranti	Pine wood
Ebony	Merbau	Rosewood
Sapele	Tali	Teak
Wenge	Zebrano	Zebrawood

What Makes Us NO #1 Latin America Wood Supplier

CameroonTimberExportSarl has been a premier provider of top-quality wood products, timber, slabs and logs in Latin America for the last 30+ years. Our invaluable experience in sustainable timber harvesting, processing & export and ability to provide solutions to meet customers’ needs are the reasons customers trust us for all their timber requirements.

Decades of industry experience combined with an incredible staff enable us to consistently deliver outstanding service and support to all our customers worldwide. We can offer some of the rarest timber species at the most competitive pricing in the market with doorstep delivery to your location anywhere in Latin America.

From planning (selecting the right species, product type, etc.) to execution (wood processing, shipping & delivery), and after-sale support, everything is handled by our expert, in-house staff for maximum customer satisfaction.

Order Best Quality Wood at Inexpensive Rates from Latin America’s Top Timber Supplier

When looking to buy the best quality wood at cheaper rates in Latin America, CameroonTimberExportSarl is your one-stop solution. Contact us for all leading African wood species, including Afromosia, Anigre, Azobe, Bilinga, Black Limba, Bubinga, Bilinga, Cedrela Odorata, Cerejeira, Ebony, Doussie, Dabema, Ekop-beli, Iroko, Ekop-naga, Ironwood, Mahogany, Makore, Meranti, Merbau, Moabi, Movingui, Niagon, Okan, Okoume, Ovangkol, Pachyloba, Padauk, Pine wood, Rosewood, Sapele, Tali, Teak, Wenge, Zebrano, and Zebrawood.

Get in touch with our wonderful customer care team to enquire about our timber species, availability and price.

September 24, 2021

What Are the Most Expensive Wood in the World?

Wood is one of the most used natural resources in the world. It grows and is used everywhere. Depending on the availability and demand of wood, certain timber species can be more expensive than others.

There are a number of factors that determine the price of wood. These include demand, scarcity, strength, durability, usability, workability, etc. the more rare the wood, the more expensive it is likely to be, given that it has a good usability and high demand in the market.

In this article, we are going to talk about some of the most expensive woods in the world.

Top 6 Most Expensive Wood In The World

CameroonTimberExportSarl is a reputed exporter of premium quality and rare African wood timber to customers around the world at wholesale prices. Contact us to know more about our wood species.

African Blackwood

African blackwood is arguably the most expensive wood on the planet. It grows exclusively in dry savanna regions of central and southern Africa and is often completely black. The sapwood is pale yellow and clearly distinguishable from the heartwood that is exceptionally dark. The wood has a straight grain with fine, even texture. It has been rated as extremely durable and has high decay resistance but only moderate resistance to insects and borers.

Even though African Blackwood is not easy to work with, it has great demand because of its scarce availability. It is primarily used for making premium musical instruments such as guitars and clarinets, tool handles, and a variety of turned objects.

Ebony

Gaboon Ebony or African Ebony is one of the most expensive wood in the world and can be sometimes even more costly than African Blackwood depending on the availability and demand in some regions. It is usually jet-black, with a straight grain. Ebony wood is highly durable and has good resistance to termites and insect attacks.

Because of its high density and hardness, Ebony can be difficult to work with. Nevertheless, it remains high in demand, mainly because of the small size of the tree and high demand.

Lingam Vitae (Iron wood)

Lingam Vitae, also known as Ironwood in some regions, is a tropical wood of trees of the genus Guaiacum. The heartwood is generally olive-brown or black in color, with an interlocked grain and a very fine texture. It is very durable and commonly used for outdoor purposes ranging from furniture making to tool handles, decorative items, bearings, and turned objects. The wood is very hard with good resistance to insect attack. It has high demand and rare availability, which makes it one of the most expensive wood in the world.

Bubinga

Bubinga is a hardwood found in Equatorial Africa. The heartwood color range from red to dark brown and has purple or black streaks. The grain is interlocked and the wood has a fine, uniform texture. Bubinga wood is rated as moderately to very durable and is known to be resistant to termite and borer attacks. It is generally easy to work with. The timber price can range from moderate to high, depending on the availability and type.

Agar wood

Agar wood is premium wood found in tropical forests of Southeast Asia. It’s primarily known for its distinct and pleasing aroma that is also known to have medicinal properties. In some regions, Agar wood can be costlier than gold, mainly because of its scarce availability. Common uses include fumigation of premises, making scents, etc.

Sandalwood

Sandalwood is another expensive type of wood known for its outstanding aromatic properties. The wood is considered religious in some parts of Asia, including India. Besides religious purposes, sandalwood is widely used for making perfumes. The wood smell and flavour last for many years. It’s not easily available and is rated as one of the most expensive timbers in the world.

CameroonTimberExportSarl deals in a large variety of some most expensive woods along with some very rare timber species, including all types of African wood species such as African blackwood, Cameroon ebony, Bubinga, and others. Call us or send an email to enquire about our wood species, availability and price. We deliver to all major locations around the world.

Contact Timber Exporter Today To Know The Wood Price