Posted on

Garapa Wood : Properties, Uses & How to Buy Online

garapa wood properties and uses

garapa wood properties and uses

Are you looking to buy the best quality wood for decking or fences? Then, you might want to know that Garapa is one of the most preferred hardwoods for decking. This is because the Garapa wood looks very attractive and is extremely durable. Here’s everything you need to know about Garapa lumber properties, including the best way to buy this wood at the right price.

Garapa Wood Introduction

Garapa trees are 65-100 ft tall and have 3-5 ft trunk diameter on average. These trees are commonly found in Brazil and other South American countries. The sapwood or outermost is yellowish, while the heartwood is deep golden to yellowish-brown and slightly darker from the sapwood, but not always clearly distinguishable. The wood color tends to darken (grayish) with age.

With a Janka rating of 1650 lbf, Garapa wood is considered fairly hard and dense and is also rated as durable. However, it can be attacked by insects, including termites. The grain is usually straight with a uniform texture. Garapa is prone to insect attacks and termites but is resistant to decay, pests and fungi and can be used even in extreme weather conditions.

In terms of workability, Garapa is considered easy to work. It finishes and glues well.

Garapa Wood Properties

  • Average Dried Weight: 51 lbs/ft3 (820 kg/m3)
  • Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC): 0.65, 0.82
  • Janka Hardness: 1,650 lbf (7,350 N)
  • Modulus of Rupture: 18,530 lbf/in2 (127.8 MPa)
  • Elastic Modulus: 2,257,000 lbf/in2 (15.57 GPa)
  • Crushing Strength: 9,030 lbf/in2 (62.3 MPa)
  • Shrinkage: Radial: 4.2%, Tangential: 7.5%,
  • Volumetric: 11.4%, T/R Ratio: 1.8

The average lifespan of Garapa wood is 30+ years, which makes it fairly suitable for a range of applications, including decking and flooring.

Garapa when untreated will turn a grayish light silver color with age. Many people love the natural color of this wood, so they use treated Garapa. You can use it either way for superior looks.

Garapa Wood Uses, Availability & Price

Because Garapa  is quite dense and durable, it is primarily used for exterior applications. However, it is prone to termite attacks, so proper finishing or treatment should be done when using it outside.

Common uses of Garapa hardwood include boatbuilding, flooring, decking, fences, furniture, and docks. The wood logs are commonly used for construction and by woodworkers.

How To Buy Garapa Hardwood?

Garapa wood is easily available in most locations and is moderately priced.

If not available in your area, you can import Garapa from a global timber supplier like CameroonTimberExportSarl. We are based in Cameroon and supply wood to all major countries around the globe.

How to Buy Garapa Wood at the Best Price Online?

Ready to order wood? Call our 24×7 helpline or use the contact form on our website to send your requirements. Make sure to mention the dimensions, size and amount of Garapa Wood that you need. We deliver to all locations in major countries and cities in Asia, Africa, Europe, America and other regions. All our wood is sustainably harvested and processed and delivered through our in-house shopping system to ensure quality and sustainability. Contact us to know more.

Posted on

Light-colored Wood: Properties, Characteristics, Types & Uses

light colored woods types, charecterstics

light colored woods types, charecterstics

A light-colored wood is wood with a pale color, ranging from pale white to yellow, orange, pinkish, greenish or light brown. If you are looking to know more about light colored wood or planning to buy one, you’re at the right place.

CameroonTimberExportSarl is the #1 wood supplier and exporter in Central Africa. We export woods in all colors, including light colored woods and deliver to all major locations around the globe. No matter where you are in the world, feel free to contact us for the best quality wood timber at the right price.

Before we start talking about light-colored woods, you should know that not all woods that have white in their names are essentially white-colored. In fact, there is no wood that is 100% white in color.

Light-colored Wood Properties & Characteristics

Most of the light-colored woods are softwoods.Generally hardwoods are considered to be dark wood. However, there are exceptions such as white oak, maple, red oak and hickory that despite being hardwoods are light-colored.

Because most of the light-colored woods are softwoods, they share many similar characteristics. For example, all softwoods are produced from conifers. Light-colored softwoods are generally less strong and durable and have lower densities. They are easy to work with and are generally cheaper to buy. We’ll discuss more properties of light-colored wood by species here.

Different Types of Light-colored Wood Species

Most softwoods are light-colored, and the color will darken with age in some cases. The following wood species generally have light color:

1) Eastern White Pine

eastern white pine wood

This is a popular softwood species and grows primarily in Eastern North America. The tree size is in the range of 65-100 ft and has a 2-4 trunk diameter. The heartwood is light brown and the sapwood is a pale yellow to almost white. The color of the White Pine darkens with age. It has a straight grain with a medium texture, which makes it fairly easy to work with. In terms of durability and rot resistance, the wood is rated as low to moderate.

Common uses of Eastern white pine include construction, boxes, carving, interior millwork, and boatbuilding.

2) Western White Pine

western pine wood

Western White Pine has properties similar to Eastern White Pine. It grows in Western North America and has a low Janka rating. Heartwood is light brown and darkens with age, while the sapwood is pale yellow. It has a straight grain with a medium texture. The wood is low durable and generally easy to work with.

Uses include veneering, plywood, boxes, carving, construction, crates, wooden matches, and interior millwork.

3) White Oak

white oak

White Oak is a hardwood native to the Eastern United States. The tree has a max height of about 85 ft and a trunk diameter of 3-4 ft. The heartwood is light or medium brown, while the sapwood is slightly paler. It has a straight grain with a coarse texture. Unlike other light-colored woods, white oak is very hard, dense and durable. It has good resistance to moisture and rot. Common uses of white oak include furniture, boatbuilding, cabinetry, flooring, interior trim, veneering, and barrels.

4) Red Oak

red oak

Same as white oak, red oak is also hardwood. It’s mainly grown in the Northeastern United States and Canada. Trees are about 80-115 ft tall and have a 3-6 ft trunk diameter. Most properties are similar to white oak. Heartwood is light or medium brown and sapwood is paler in colour. It has a straight grain with a coarse texture. However, red oak is not as durable and has poor insect and moisture resistance. It is easy to work with though. Commonly used for furniture making, cabinetry, flooring, veneering, and interior trim.

5) European White Beech

European White Beech

Found in Europe, white beech is generally pale cream in color and may acquire a golden tone when prepared with steam for veneering. It has a straight grain with a fine to medium texture. The wood is practically non-durable and susceptible to rot, insects and moisture. Workability is good. Possible uses include veneering, lumber, flooring, furniture, boatbuilding, cabinetry, plywood, musical instruments, and turned objects.

6) American Hard Maple

American Hard Maple

Commonly known as hard maple, this wood grows in Northeastern North America. The trees are about 80-115 ft tall with a 2-3 ft trunk diameter. Hard maple is primarily used for its sapwood, which is white to off-white in color. The heartwood color is darker reddish-brown. The wood grain is straight and has a fine texture. It is easy to work with, but is rated as non-durable and non-resistant. Uses include flooring, veneering, musical instruments, paper pulp, cutting boards, workbenches, baseball bats, and turned objects.

7) American Holly Wood

American Holly Wood

The American Holly is native to the Eastern and South-central US. It is very pale, almost white. The grain is irregular and the texture is fine. Holly is practically non-durable and prone to insect attack. Because of interlocked grain, it is generally difficult to work with. Uses include furniture, piano keys, inlays, brush handles, whip handles, and turned objects.

8) American White Ash

American White Ash

White Ash wood is produced in Eastern North America. It is light to medium brown and has a medium to coarse texture. The grain is straight. It is rated as slightly durable to perishable in terms of insect resistance. Uses include flooring, millwork, baseball bats, boxes, crates, tool handles, etc.
Uses of Light-colored Wood

Light-colored woods are preferred for construction and furniture projects where a clean and bright appearance is needed. For example, interior design in homes and offices is often made with pale color woods, which not only allow more sunlight in the place but also make it look bigger.

Contact CameroonTimberExportSarl to enquire about or purchase the best quality, sustainable light-colored woods at the lowest price in the market.

Posted on

The Ultimate Guide To Advantages And Disadvantages Of Wood Siding

advantages and disadvantages of wood siding

advantages and disadvantages of wood siding

Wood siding refers to the use of wood, natural or artificial, as a siding on the exterior side of walls of a building. There are different types of materials used for house siding, with vinyl siding, wood siding, etc. being the most popular options. In this article, you can read in detail about the best wood siding, including the various advantages and disadvantages Of wood siding.

What is Wood Siding?

Wood is one of the popular options for siding on building walls, which refers to the application of a good quality protective material on the exterior walls of a house or building.

For centuries, wood has been used as a crucial part of buildings. In fact, people used to build complete houses of wood. This is because wood is a beautiful, strong and reliable construction material. However, today, because of the rising cost of natural wood and other durability concerns, most houses are being built using concrete, bricks, steel, and cement, with wood only used for exteriors, frames, flooring, and other specific purposes. Siding is one of the primary uses of wood in construction.

Wood siding can be of two types – natural wood siding and manufactured wood siding.

Natural wood siding involves the use of natural, solid wood for constructing sidings for a building. Natural wood is better looking and may offer more durability (depending on species) when compared to other options such as manufactured wood siding, where the siding is made using manufactured wood such as plywood or MDF.

Let’s talk about the various advantages and disadvantages of wood siding.

Advantages of Wood Siding

Using wood for siding in your house or office has many advantages. Not only does it look very attractive but also wood siding is easier to maintain and is environmentally conscious. Here are some other benefits of wood siding.

Looks Beautiful

If you are after the most beautiful and attractive choice for exterior siding, wood has to be it. Natural wood, in both pale and darker shades, looks totally enchanting. Wood comes in a large variety of colours, shades and hues, and many of them feature beautiful streaks in different shapes that will make siding look even more attractive.

Easy to Maintain

Wood is easy to paint, so you can get your wood siding in any colour you want. Painting it will also help protect the wood and increase its life. In addition, wood siding is easy to maintain and repair. For instance, if one or more blocks in the siding get damaged, it can be easily damaged or repaired.

Environmentally-Friendly

One of the biggest benefits of using wood for siding is that it is totally friendly to the environment. As a natural material, wood is eco-friendly and doesn’t cause any harm to the environment or its surroundings.

Very Durable

Some wood species, especially hardwoods, can be very durable, which makes them an excellent choice for outdoor wood siding. Make sure to do your research and find good, durable wood for siding.

Using wood for siding may also have some disadvantages too. Let’s explore them.

Disadvantages of Wood Siding

Need Regular Maintenance

Wood sidings need regular maintenance in order to keep them safe from rot, insects and moisture. Though maintenance is easy, it may cost a lot depending on the type of damage.

Susceptible to Insect Attacks

Depending on wood species, wood sidings can be susceptible to insect attacks and rot. When used outside, special care must be taken and proper treatments applied to avoid such problems. When selecting wood for siding, check whether it is resistant to insects or has been treated.

High Cost

High-quality hardwoods with good durability and rot resistance can be quite expensive.

Fire can be a Problem

Not many woods are naturally resistant to fire. If you live in a place where fire incidents are common, you’d rather want to go with another, fireproof material for house siding.
Best wood species for wood siding

When it comes to wood siding, many options are available in different colors, varieties and appearances.

Top 4 Choices for Wood Siding

1. Pine Wood Siding

pine wood siding

Pine is a softwood that is easily available at low to moderate prices in all parts of the world. Treated pine is a great choice for wood siding.

2. Fir Wood

fir wood siding
Fir is also a softwood and also easily available and inexpensively priced like pine. It is easy to work with and is commonly available in long lengths.

3. Cedar Wood Siding

cedar wood siding
Cedar is another wood preferred for wood siding. It is somewhat durable and has good resistance to rot. Cedar wood can be low to moderately priced and is widely available.

4. Redwood

redwood siding
Redwoods are very durable and are durable to moisture, insects and rot. They are perfect for outdoor siding and need less maintenance than softwood options.

These above listed advantages and disadvantages of wood siding wood help you select the right wood? Contact Cameroontimberexportsarl for all your timber needs. We are a leading exporter of wholesale timber in 30+ countries across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, Australia, Canada, etc. Best quality wood for siding at the lowest price in the market.

Posted on

Meranti Vs Mahogany Wood: A Comprehensive Guide

MERANTI VS MAHOGANY WOOD

MERANTI VS MAHOGANY WOOD

Meranti and Mahogany are two very popular hardwood species. The two wood species share many similarities as well as many differences. In this article, we will talk about Mahogany and Meranti wood in detail, including their different properties, uses and the best place to buy high-quality hardwood timber.

Meranti Wood Overview

Meranti, sometimes called Philippine Mahogany for its resemblance to Mahogany, is a hardwood species found mainly in Southeast Asia. The trees are about 65-130 ft tall and have a 3-6 ft trunk diameter. Meranti wood is medium dense and almost non-durable. It has poor resistance to decay, rot and insect attack.

Meranti is mainly preferred for indoor applications, including general construction, plywood, flooring, etc. Because the natural wood lacks durability, it is often treated before outdoor use.

The five species of Meranti wood are: Light Red Meranti, White Meranti, Yellow Meranti, Dark Red Meranti, and Balau. All are found in Southeast Asia.

Meranti Wood Characteristics

Meranti is a dark reddish-brown wood and has white resin streaks present over its freshly sawn body. The grain is straight, sometimes interlocked, and the texture is coarse.

It is rated as non-durable to moderately durable and is medium hard and dense. It has poor resistance to rot, insects, moisture and decay.

Good looks aren’t the only reason why Meranti is liked all over the world. The wood is also fairly easy to work with and glues and stains well. It is easily available worldwide and is moderately priced for an imported wood. It holds nails and screws well, which is why it is prefered for plywood.

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

About Mahogany Wood

We all have heard of Mahogany and most of us have personally used it. It’s one of the most popular hardwoods on the planet. Mahogany wood is known for its unmatched beauty, reddish-brown colour and outstanding strength. It is extensively used in a variety of applications all over the world.

Mahogany is famous for being very attractive. It comes in many species and grows in all parts of the world. Honduran Mahogany, also called genuine or brazilian mahogany, is the one we are talking about here. This species of mahogany is grown on plantations in Southern Mexico and central South America besides some other parts of the world. The trees are about 150-200 ft tall and have a 3-6 ft trunk diameter.

Mahogany Wood Characteristics

The heartwood is reddish-brown, however, the colour may range from pale brown to darker brown depending on the species and location. The colour of the wood darkens with age. The grain ranges from straight to wavy, interlocked or irregular. Mahogany has a medium uniform texture.

In terms of rot resistance, Mahogany is rated as very durable for a high-density wood grown in prime conditions. The older the wood, the darker, heavier, and more durable it is. However, it can be vulnerable to insect attacks, except for termites. Mahogany is a very stable wood, which makes it a perfect choice for fine quality furniture.

Mahogany is generally easy to work with. It sands, glues, finishes, and stains well.

  • Average Dried Weight: 37 lbs/ft3 (590 kg/m3)
  • Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC): 0.52, 0.59
  • Janka Hardness: 900 lbf (4,020 N)
  • Modulus of Rupture: 11,710 lbf/in2 (80.8 MPa)
  • Elastic Modulus: 1,458,000 lbf/in2 (10.06 GPa)
  • Crushing Strength: 6,760 lbf/in2 (46.6 MPa)
  • Shrinkage: Radial: 2.9%, Tangential: 4.3%,
  • Volumetric: 7.5%, T/R Ratio: 1.5

Honduran Mahogany has a high demand, though it is extensively available in lumber and veneer form. The price for an imported wood can be moderate to expensive.

Meranti vs Mahogany : Difference Table

Feature Meranti Wood Mahogany Wood
Origin Southeast Asia, primarily Malaysia Native to Central and South America
Botanical Name Shorea spp. Swietenia spp.
Color Light to dark reddish-brown Reddish-brown to deep red
Grain Straight to interlocked Interlocked, sometimes wavy
Texture Medium texture Medium to coarse texture
Durability Moderately durable Highly durable, resistant to decay
Workability Easy to work with moderate blunting Relatively easy to work, may dull tools
Uses Furniture, joinery, interior finishing High-end furniture, cabinetry, boatbuilding
Sustainability Varies by species and logging practices Endangered in some regions, sustainability concerns
Cost Generally less expensive Can be expensive depending on quality

Meranti and Mahogany share similar colour characteristics. Both have dark, reddish-brown colours. While the different species of Meranti have colours ranging from pale pink to dark brown, the most popular of these are dark coloured woods.

The major difference between mahogany and meranti (meranti vs mahogany) is durability. Whilst Mahogany is rated very durable and is resistant to termites, Meranti is almost non-durable and has poor resistance.

Meranti is majorly found in Southeast Asia, whilst Mahogany is almost exclusively grown in plantations in Latin America.

Both the demand and price of mahogany are higher than that of Meranti. Moreover, it is easier to trim and mould as compared to Mahogany.

Where to Buy Best Quality Meranti and Mahogany Wood?

Now that you understand all the major differences. You can buy top quality Meranti and Mahogany hardwoods from CameroonTimberExportSarl with doorstep delivery anywhere in the world. Yes, we are a leading exporter and supplier of hardwoods in the world. We ship to all major countries in Latin America, Asia, Europe, Australia, Canada, and other regions.

Contact us today for the best price for Meranti and Mahogany timber.

Posted on

Rot-Resistant Wood: 7 Best Lumber That Do Not Rot

rot resistant wood

rot resistant wood

When selecting wood for an exterior project, it is very important to check whether the wood is rot-resistant. Being rot-resistant essentially means that the wood will not rot when in contact with some fungi and insects.

Why Choose Rot-Resistant Wood

While wood is a wonderful product to add natural character, appeal and warmth to your exterior, your outdoor furniture and flooring must be made from wood that is durable and rot-resistant. Here’s why.

Wood items that are intended to be used outdoors will be constantly exposed to various kinds of climate and weather conditions, from rain to sunlight, frosty winters and even snowfall. On top of that, all kinds of insects will be ready to eat up the wood if it is not durable enough. Being durable, your timber can efficiently withstand climate conditions and will not easily rot when in constant touch with moisture, insects and similar damaging entities.

Types of Wood That Do Not Rot

There are two major types of woods that are resistant to rot. One is natural wood with high durability and rot resistance. Second is treated wood that is not naturally unaffected but is treated with certain chemicals to make it more durable and unaffected by rot.

In this article, we will talk about the top wood species that are resistant to rot. Before we start, you should know that no wood is 100% decay-resistant. Based on rot resistance, woods can be categorised as superior resistant, moderately resistant, and low resistant.

Choosing the Best Rot-Resistant Timber Wood

Not all woods are naturally resistant to rot. Most softwood species are non-resilient. These include pine, maple, birch, aspen, beech, alder, hemlock, poplar, etc. This makes them not very suitable for exterior projects.

What makes some woods more resistant than others

The reason why some woods are more resistant to rot and more durable than others has to do with the composition of the tree. Sapwood is poorly resilient and has zero durability. A tree that has more sapwood than heartwood will likely be less resistant to rot. Another thing that affects the durability of wood is the amount of extractives, which include the waxes, resin acids, fatty acids, etc. that the wood naturally has. Slow-growing and older-growth trees have a higher concentration of extractives, which makes their woods more resistant and durable.

If you are finding it difficult to choose the best rot-resistant wood for your project, just ask your woodworkers and they would most likely help you. Alternatively, you can call CameroonTimberExportSarl to consult your project and let us help you find the right wood.

Top Most Wood Species That Do Not Rot

1. Mahogany

mahogany

Mahogany is one of the hardest and most dense woods in the world, which makes it extremely resistant to moisture and rot. Mahogany is exceptionally strong and durable and therefore suitable for exterior wood applications.
Other properties of Mahogany include a fine grain, gray to brown color, easy to use, beautiful natural appearance, and high durability. Mahogany wood is used in everything from furniture to boatbuilding, flooring, musical instruments and luxury items.

2. Spanish Cedar

spanish cedar

As a wonderfully dense wood, Spanish Cedar is extremely resistant to decay and is very durable. It can be used exclusively in outdoor applications and will survive even the toughest weather conditions. Because it costs less than mahogany, cedar is a popular and equally durable alternative. It comes in a reddish-brown color that darkens with age. It is easy to work with and is used extensively for window trim, exterior, closets, chest and other applications.

3. Teak

teak wood

Teak is a strong and hard hardwood that is available at a very expensive price in many parts of the world. It has outstanding durability, termite resistance and decay resistance properties. Teak wood both looks phenomenal and has great resistance to rot, which make it one of the most popular and expensive timbers in the world. The wood is ideal for furniture, carving, exterior applications, construction, flooring, and more.

4. Redwood

redwood wood

Redwood can be moderate to very durable, depending on its origin. It is naturally insuspectible to decay and moisture. Though expensive, redwood is one of the best choices for exterior construction. It has a light pinkish-brown heartwood and pale yellow sapwood. Redwood is typically easy to work with. Common uses include construction, exterior furniture, decking, veneering, musical instruments, among others.

5. Red Cedar

red cedar

Same as its Spanish variant, Red Cedar which is commonly found in Canada and the U.S. is extremely durable. It is naturally resistant to decay and insect attack. Almost all variants of Cedar share similar characteristics of high strength and durability. It can be reddish to dark brown, sometimes with darker streaks, and is easy to work with. Common uses include exterior work, lumber, boxes, crates, and boatbuilding.

6. White Oak

white

White Oak is very hard and dense and is rated as extremely durable. It is resistant to rot, insects and moisture. Colour ranges from light to medium brown, with sawn timber having ray fleck patterns. It is easy to work with and is used primarily for doors, windows, furniture and flooring.

7. Black Walnut

black walnut

Black walnut wood is very durable and hard. It has extraordinary rot resistance, which makes it suitable for a variety of exterior applications. However, long exposure to insects can damage the wood, so it must be ideally used after treatment. Possible uses include furniture, veneering, panelling, cabinetry, turned objects, and other specialty items.

Need help selecting the most durable wood for your exterior project or looking for the best place to buy premium quality hardwood at the lowest price in the market? Contact CameroonTimberExportSarl for instant quotes for all your timber needs.

Posted on

Dark Wood: Types, Properties & Advantages

Dark Wood

Dark Wood

Any wood that has a dark natural colour will be referred to as dark wood. These woods are generally more popular and expensive because they have a high demand and look attractive for interior applications.

Here’s everything you need to know about dark wood species, including the types, properties and advantages.

In most cases, dark woods are hardwoods, which is also why they are strong, stable and durable and suitable for all kinds of timber applications, especially interior projects.

Types of Dark Wood (Popular Wood Species Examples)

These woods are quite common in all parts of the world. Different dark wood species are used in different countries. Here are some of the most popular types of dark wood.

Ebony

ebony dark wood
Ebony is one of the darkest woods available in nature. It is practically black in colour. As a hardwood, ebony wood is extremely strong, durable and resistant to termites and insects. It is exceptionally stable and therefore suitable for a range of applications, including furniture making. Because ebony has a high demand, it is generally expensive and not easily available.

Due to its extremely high density, ebony is not always easy to work with, especially with hand tools. It is widely used for making high-quality furniture and interior objects such as cabinets, musical instruments, etc.

Mahogany

mahogany
Mahogany is one of the most popular dark woods. It is available in many subspecies, most of which are concentrated in Central and South America. Mahogany wood colour is dark reddish-brown. The wood has high durability, strength and density, which makes it suitable for a range of high-quality applications such as premium furniture and musical instruments.

Mahogany is easily available and moderately priced. Uses include furniture, cabinetry, veneers, turned objects, boats, musical instruments, and carving.

Walnut

walnut dark wood
Walnut is another popular naturally strong and dense dark wood. The wood grows in many parts of the world, including the Americas, Asia, Southern Europe, and the West Indies. The walnut timber is dark chocolate brown and the sapwood is light brown. It has good density and is easy to work with. Common uses include furniture, veneering, cabinetry, gunstocks, wooden speciality objects, turned items, and interior panelling.

Wenge

wenge dark wood
Wenge is a dark-coloured wood commonly sourced from Central Africa. It has a medium brown heartwood with black streaks, which can be turned to nearly black by the application of certain oil finishes. Wenge wood is extremely strong, durable and dense, which makes it slightly difficult to work with. It has good termite resistance. Common uses of wenge include furniture, veneering, panelling, musical instruments, and turned objects.

Teak

teak wood
Teak is another hardwood that is deep dark in colour and is strong and durable. The wood is exclusively found in Southern Asia forests. It is resistant to termites and rot. The heartwood is medium brown, and the sapwood is creamy white. Common uses include furniture, veneering, carving, turnings, boat buildings, and exterior construction.

Dark Wood Properties, Pros & Cons

Like most hardwoods, most dark woods also share similar characteristics. For instance, most dark woods are strong, dense and durable. Of course, they all share a similar, dark colour, which might range from intense dark (black – ebony) to medium or dark brown or reddish-brown. The point is that they all are dark.

These dark hardwoods are also better-looking, with or without finish, as compared to the lighter species. Because they are dense, they can be difficult to work with.

Pros of Dark Wood

  • Dark wood species are strong and extremely durable.
  • They have outstanding resistance to rot, insects and termite.
  • The wood looks exceptionally beautiful and maintains its natural looks for a long time.
  • Because it is durable and strong, it will easily last for decades.
  • Furniture and items made from dark wood look premium and stunningly beautiful.

Cons of Dark Wood

  • The wood is generally rare and expensive, depending on where you live.
  • Not all the wood species are easy to stain, though they all look great naturally.
  • Scratches are more visible in the dark hardwood.

If you are looking to buy the perfect types of dark wood for your project, we have many options available here at CameroomTimberExportSarl. Contact us to enquire about the availability and the best price for premium quality wood species, mahogany, wenge, walnut, ebony, teak, and more.

Posted on

Selecting The Best Wood for Outdoor Decks and Porches

Outdoor decks are common in most of the modern houses in America and other developed countries around the world. Decking is generally made using solid wood or plywood, depending on the preferences and budget. The type of wood that is used to make an outdoor deck will have an impact on how the decking looks as well as on how durable and stone it is, which is why choosing the best wood for outdoor decks and porches is essential.

Why Use Wood for Outdoor Decking

Solid wood decking made from high-quality timber will naturally have more durability, will look superior and last longer than anything else.

In many cases and depending on the type, you can get natural solid wood for decking at a lesser price than what you’d have to pay for alternatives such as composite decking.

While a wood deck is easy to customise, colour and stain to meet the changing styles, the same is not true for composite and other wood deckings, which are not easy and may cost a lot to change their appearance.

Another benefit of using wood for decks is that being a biodegradable material wood is friendly to the environment. Also, wood decks absorb carbon and thus have a much lower carbon footprint.

Factors to Consider When Selecting The Best wood for Outdoor Deck

Here are some of the things to consider before choosing the best outdoor wood especially when buying a decking wood.

Appearance

The appearance of wood for decking is of course a priority for many property owners, but make sure that this is not your first priority. More than how the material looks you should pay attention to how strong and durable the wood is. It is possible to find a balance between appearance and durability.

Cost

Before starting to search for the right wood for your decking, set a budget. Try and keep in line with your budget when exploring your options. If you are getting a good deal for a better quality timber, which is slightly above your budget but you can afford it, go for it. If you think wood decks are costly, there are cheaper options available such as pressure-treated pine that would still work better than composite and is resistant to rot and pests.

Durability

Durability and quality of wood should be your number one priority for decking material. Because the decking would be used outside, it is likely to be in constant exposure to sun, rain and other kinds of weather conditions, which is why wood for decking must be absolutely durable and strong.

Resistance

Outdoor wood decking must be resistant to moisture, insects and rot. Unless you are willing to replace your deck frequently, you must invest in a good quality deck material that will accompany you for at least a few years or decades.

Maintenance

High maintenance is another problem with some wooden decks. However, solid wood decks require lesser maintenance as compared to composite decks and durable wood can easily survive for decades without needing a lot of care.

Even in solid wood, there are many options when it comes to selecting the right wood for decking. Here we talk about some of the best wood species for outdoor decks.

Best Wood for Outdoor Decks & Porches

1. Cedar

cedar decking wood
Despite being softwood, cedar is very durable and resistant to moisture, which makes it one of the best woods for decking. The wood is also resistant to rot and needs very little maintenance when used for outdoor applications. Cedar is so compatible with moisture changes that it won’t easily warp or crack even in areas with hard freezing conditions.

Cedar decks have a naturally beautiful look and can be easily stained to try many options in terms of appearance. They need little maintenance and would easily last 15-20 years with good care. Cedar wood is moderately priced and available in many locations around the world. For the best price for wholesale cedar timber, contact CameroonTimberExportSarl.

2. Ipe

ipe decking wood
Ipe is one of the hardest and strongest woods in the world and has extremely high durability along with resistance to a variety of bugs and rot. It is ideal for wood decking because of its dense structure and high durability and will easily last for decades with basic care. It is very strong and resistant to termites, decay and fire. As a rainforest wood, Ipe is not easily available in all locations.

3. Redwood

redwood decking wood
Redwood is one of the most popular alternatives to cedar for building outdoor decks. It has properties similar to cedar. For example, the wood is very durable and strong and the natural oils of redwood make it resistant to moisture, rot, and insects. Redwood looks beautiful and is one of the best options for those looking for natural wood decking. Redwood decks need basic care. Pressure washing once a year and staining every couple of years would keep your decks looking attractive and make them last for years. Contact CameroonTimberExportSarl to enquire about the latest price for redwood timber.

4. Pressure Treated Wood

pressure treated decking wood
Pressure treated wood, as the name suggests, is natural wood treated with high pressure and/or chemicals to increase its durability and resistance to rot, insects, moisture, etc. Pressure treated pine and douglas fir are the two most popular options used for decking. This type of decking wood is both affordable and very good in terms of durability. Depending on the type, they can easily last for years and need less maintenance.

5. Mahogany

mahogany decking wood
Mahogany is one of the tropical hardwoods that are popular for decking. This is a tight-grained hardwood with high durability and good resistance to pests and rot. Mahogany can be easily stained or oiled to give it whatever look you want. Even the natural appearance is beautiful and the wood ages nicely to a silvery hue. Mahogany is one of the best options for decks because it is inexpensive and widely available.

6. Composite Wood

composite decking wood
Composite is a growingly popular option for building outdoor decks. Composite wood is an artificial product created by combining a variety of products such as wood fibre/wood flour and thermoplastic. It is made to look like wood. One of the reasons for the growing popularity of composite wood decking is its easy availability. Because natural, sustainable wood options are limited, people have to go for artificial alternatives like composite. But, that does not mean that it’s a bad option. In fact, composite decks can be created to look as good or even better than wood decks. Also, they need less maintenance. However, you should not expect your composite deck to look as appealing or premium as a real wood deck.

Need help choosing the best wood for outdoor decks or ready to buy top quality wood for decking? Contact CameroonTimberExportSarl to buy timber at the best price in the market with doorstep delivery anywhere in the world.

Posted on

How To Choose The Best Plywood For Roofing?

how to choose the best plywood for roofing

how to choose the best plywood for roofing
Plywoods are nowadays the most common material used for roofing. This is because plywood is strong and provides good durability to the roof, and it costs less than many other alternatives such as slate, metal, rubber slate, solar, plastic polymer, etc.

If you are looking to know more about the best plywood for roofing or need help choosing the right plywood for your roofing project, you’re at the right place. Let’s start with the basics.

Things To Consider When Choosing a Roofing Material

Here are some of the factors to consider when choosing the right material for roof construction:

  1. Cost – how much the material costs and whether it fits your budget. Because plywood is available in different varieties, you can easily find one in your budget.
  2. Material type & weight – Roofing material should not be very dense or heavy otherwise the roof won’t be able to hold its weight.
  3. Weather – Depending on where you live, local weather conditions must also be considered, as roofing material must be resistant to moisture
  4. Appearance – Another thing to consider in roofing material is its appearance, including color, design, etc. It must match with your property.
  5. Maintenance requirements – last but not least, how much maintenance does the roofing need and what is the expected life?

Why Plywood is Preferred For Roofing

Plywood is not only cheaper than solid wood and a range of other construction materials but also very strong, offers structural stability and is also water-resistant. These are the most common reasons why builders use plywood as their material of choice for external projects such as roofing.

A roofing system relies heavily upon the strength of the base material for support. Because plywood is strong and durable, it makes a perfect option for roofing material.

Because of how plywood is built, the material is not only very strong but has its strength evenly distributed across the wood, making it strong across all sides and in the corners. Also, plywood doesn’t split when nailed into or shrinks or expands with temperature changes.

Another reason why plywood is preferred for exterior applications such as roofing is that this type of manufactured wood is resistant to moisture and will continue to perform well even with constant exposure to moisture.

Plywood Vs OSB

Besides plywood, OSB or oriented strand board is another popular material used for roofing.

OSB is also a manufactured wood. It is made by combining and pressing small pieces of wood together using glue.

For roofing, both OSB and plywood are good choices. OSB is generally less expensive than plywood but it is not resistant to moisture. OSB is easily available in large panels and has a greater shear strength than plywood.

How to Choose The Best Plywood For Roofing

When it comes to plywood for roofing, there are many options available in the market. Based on your particular requirements and budget, you can choose from the following types of plywood for roofing:

For roofing, the plywood used most commonly is called exterior plywood. It is one of the best grades of plywood in terms of strength and durability. It is both very strong and resistant to moisture.

  1. Constructional Structural Plywood
  2. Shuttering Plywood
  3. General Plywood
  4. CDX Plywood

Constructional structural plywood is created specifically for the purpose of exterior use. This type of plywood is very strong, durable and high performing. It is ideal for all types of building and construction applications. Marine Grade Plywood is one of the most popular examples of construction plywoods.

Shuttering plywood is a structural plywood used primarily to hold concrete. It’s strong and built through multiple tests to check its strength and structural integrity.

General plywood is the most common type of plywood and is used for general applications such as furniture, doors and other interior use. This type of plywood may not always be suitable for exterior applications such as roofing and may need more maintenance than others.

CDX Plywood is one of the strongest types of plywood. It is made by combining different grades of plywood sheets together to achieve a strong material. ‘C’ in CDX refers to the grade of the plywood sheet used at the front, while ‘D’ refers to the grease of the sheet used on the back. X is the type of glue used to combine the wood layers together. CDX plywood also commonly refers to construction grade wood for exterior (C) purposes. As for the size, plywoods are available in different sizes, with 4×8 feet being the standard size for commercial plywood sheets. Depending on the size of your roof and required coverage area, the roofer can calculate the size and number of plywood sheets required for the job.

Other than the type of plywood, plywood thickness, size, etc. are some other factors to consider when purchasing plywood for roofing. Normally the plywood for roofing must be about ½ inch thick and the standard thickness is ⅜ inch. In areas where weather conditions are bad or heavy load is expected, thicker plywoods are generally used.

Need help?

If you are having a difficult time finding the right plywood for your roofing project, feel free to contact CameroonTimberExportSarl to discuss your project. We are a leading supplier of construction-grade plywood for both interior and exterior applications. Call us to buy top quality roofing plywood at the best price in the market with doorstep delivery.

Posted on

Beech Wood: Properties, Characteristics & Uses

beech wood properties and uses

beech wood properties and uses

Beech is a hardwood species that comes in multiple varieties, such as European Beech, American Beech, and others. Beech is generally non-durable and not very strong. Common uses of beech wood include flooring, lumber, veneer, furniture, plywood, boatbuilding, musical instruments, and others.

Whether you are looking to buy Beech wood or are just curious about the various properties and uses of this wood, here’s everything you need to know about Beech wood.

About Beech Wood

Beech is a hardwood that is available in different species in different locations. Almost all beech species share similar properties, which include high density, average strength and hardness, a pale cream colour, straight grain, low durability, and easy availability.

Because beech wood is easily available at a low price and has good hardness and density, it is widely used as an alternative to other expensive hardwoods such as hard maple. Common uses include furniture, flooring, plywood, boat buildings, etc.

Beech Wood Properties

Almost all species of Beech share similar properties, like all are non-durable and have a straight grain with a uniform texture.

Here’s a brief overview of the Beech wood properties:

  • Common Name(s): Beech
  • Scientific Name: Fagus sylvatica (European beech), Fagus grandifolia (American beech)
  • Distribution: Europe, Eastern US
  • Tree Size: 100-130 ft (30-40 m) tall, 3-5 ft (1-1.5 m) trunk diameter
  • Janka Hardness: 1,300-1,450 lbf (6,460 N)
  • Colour: pale cream
  • Grain: Straight
  • Texture: Uniform, fine to medium
  • Strength: Average
  • Density: High
  • Durability: Non durable
  • Resistance: Not resistant to rot and insect attacks
  • Workability: Easy to work with; glues, machines, turns and finishes well
  • Price: Low for domestic regions

Beech Timber Characteristics

Beech is a popular hardwood and is used in a large variety of applications. Its characteristics and properties are as follows:

Appearance: Beech is pale cream in colour with an occasional pink or brown hue. When steamed, it turns into a beautiful golden wood. It has a straight and fine grain with a uniform texture.

Strength and durability: Beech is hard, strong and dense, which makes it suitable for a range of applications including furniture making and flooring. However, it is practically non-durable. The wood is susceptible to insect attacks, rot and moisture. It needs to be treated before any commercial use.

European beech has a Janka rating of 1,450 lbf, while American beech has a 1,300 lbf Janka rating. Both species are hard and dense.

Though beech is not naturally durable, it can be made resistant to rot through chemical steaming.

Workability: Beech wood is easy to work with. It cuts, finishes, glues, and turns well. Also, it can be bent easily using steam bending methods and is therefore suitable to make turned objects.

Distribution: European Beech is easily found in all parts of Europe, and American Beech distribution is limited to Eastern U.S.. The wood is sustainably produced.

Beech Wood Types/Species

Beech wood has the following five species:

  1. American Beech (Fagus grandifolia)
  2. European Beech (Fagus sylvatica)
  3. Copper Beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea’)
  4. Japanese Beech (Fagus Crenata)
  5. Tri-color Beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea Tricolor’)

Beech wood availability and price

Both European beech and American beech are easily available in their respective regions and are economically priced.

If you live in any other country and are finding it difficult to get the best quality Beech timber at the right price, contact CameroonTimberExportSarl to import beech wood in bulk at the lowest price in the market. We provide worldwide shipping.

Beech wood uses: What is beech timber good for?

Because beech is hard and strong, it is practically useful for every type of interior application, ranging from furniture to flooring, construction timber, veneering, boatbuilding, cabinetry, turned objects, plywood, and musical instruments.

However, beech is not recommendable for exterior use because the wood is non durable and cannot withstand moisture. Also because beech is non durable, it needs high and constant maintenance, which may increase its cost to own in the long term.

Why Beech is a great but underrated hardwood

Beech wood has outstanding strength properties that make it suitable for a large variety of applications. However, the wood is often underrated, primarily because it is easily and widely available and also because it is not durable. Here are some other interesting qualities of Beech wood that you might not know already.

In Celtic mythology, Beech was considered the queen of British trees and oak the king. The species name Fagus was allegedly based on the Celtic god Fagus. The word book is also said to be derived from Buche, the German word for beech tree.

Beechnut, the fruit of beech trees, is edible. It has a nutty taste that can be bitter. Beech nuts have high fat content and can be used to produce oil.

Beech trees are said to have medicinal and anti-inflammatory properties. In older times, these leaves were used to make medicines for many diseases. Beech flowers have homoeopathic properties.

Beech is probably the only hardwood that has quite hard timber that can be bent and has a very delicate bark that can be carved easily. Because beechwood wears well, it makes an excellent option for structural work. However, it’s not durable at all.

Beechwood chips are used in some methods of beer production.

Almost all over the world, beechwood is used as an outstanding source of fuel. Beech is delicate and burns very well. In some parts of the world, it is even used to cook food.

Beech has so many uses that it can be classified as one of the most used hardwoods on the planet. Yet, we do not very often see beech wood in use. This is because beech wood is generally used in areas not directly visible to the eyes, such as joiners, drawer bottoms, chair legs, back of cabinets, etc. It is often used as a cheaper alternative to hard maple.

One of the biggest benefits of Beech wood is its great value for money. Because the wood is inexpensive and has versatile applications, it is one of the best cheap hardwoods you can buy for your project. Contact us to know more about beechwood or to buy the best quality wood from Cameroon’s top timber supplier.