Different Types of Exotic Woods in Detail

If you are looking to know all about exotic woods, you’re at the right place. Today, in this article, we’ll talk about exotic woods, what they are and the most popular types of exotic woods out there. Let’s get started.

What are Exotic Woods?

As the name suggests, exotic woods are a kind of premium or rare wood species that possess a stunning visual appearance among other qualities.

In other words, exotic woods can be considered similar to imported woods or ones that are not easily or cheaply available. They are different from domestic woods that can be easily sourced locally in most places. Exotic woods have to be imported from countries where they grow or are found naturally. For example, African Blackwood is an extremely popular exotic wood found exclusively in dry savanna regions of central and southern Africa.

Other than availability and distribution, exotic woods are distinguished by their rare qualities such as exotic appearance and outstanding hardness/durability.

Uses of Exotic Woods

Like regular woods, exotic woods can also be used for a variety of purposes. However, the specific use of a particular exotic wood will depend on its own properties.

Because of their stunning appearance and colours, exotic woods are almost always used for making premium furniture and items. They are generally very expensive and so not commonly used in large projects like flooring or construction, but you can easily find small objects made of exotic woods, examples include cutting boards, trays, phone cases, and accent pieces to be used in furniture.

Other than that, exotic woods are also commonly used for making beautiful veneers. Some exotic woods are also used for making musical instruments, such as guitars, and other small speciality items and turned objects.

Types of Exotic Woods

There are many species of exotic woods. Here, we will talk about only the top types of exotic woods that you can purchase from CameroonTimberExportSARL.

African Blackwood

This exotic wood is sourced from dry savanna regions of central and southern Africa. It is often completely black and has little or no visible grain. The sapwood is pale yellow, thin and easily distinguished from the black heartwood. Grain is straight and the texture is usually fine and even. African Blackwood is very hard and is considered extremely durable in terms of decay resistance, though it can be penetrated by beetles and borers. Because of its hardness, it can be difficult to work with.

Common uses of African Blackwood include carving, musical instruments, and turned objects.

Balsa

Balsa is found in the tropical regions of the Americas. The colour is pale reddish brown. It has a straight grain with a medium texture. Balsa is not very hard and has a low durability rating. It is not resistant to insect attacks. The Balsa sapwood is commonly used for rafts, model airplanes, musical instruments, buoys, fishing lures, etc.

Black Ebony

African Black Ebony is a premium quality exotic hardwood that is sourced from equatorial west Africa. The wood colour is jet-black and has a usually straight grain with a fine even texture. In terms of strength, Ebony is rated as very hard and durable. It is naturally resistant to insect attacks. High density can make it difficult to work with. It is extremely expensive. Uses include ornamental items, musical instruments or parts, carvings and small speciality items.

Iroko

Iroko is sourced from Tropical Africa. It has a yellow to golden heartwood, medium texture, an interlocked grain, and large pores. The wood is very durable and is used for flooring, furniture, veneer, and boatbuilding, among other things.

Jatoba

Also called Brazilian Cherry, the wood is found in America and the West Indies. It has a light or dark brown heartwood and interlocked grain. Jatoba is very durable and is used for everything from furniture making to flooring, shipbuilding, and turned objects.

Mahogany

Mahogany is a very popular hardwood and is found all over America and other parts of the world. It is used for making attractive furniture, cabinetry, veneer, musical instruments, and carving.

Padauk

African Padauk is pale orange to deep red in colour and has straight grain. It is very durable and naturally resistant to decay. Uses include veneering, flooring, furniture, musical instruments, tool handles, etc.

Poplar

Poplar is found in many countries. It has a light brown heartwood and a straight grain. The wood is practically non-durable. It is used for making boxes, crates, furniture carcases, plywood and as utility timber.

Sapele

Sapele is a tropical African hardwood and is known for its durability and appearance. It is golden to dark brown in colour. Uses include furniture, plywood, cabinetry, flooring, musical instruments, etc.

Wenge

Wenge is sourced from Central Africa and has a medium brown heartwood with black streaks and straight grain. Wood is considered very durable and used for panelling, veneer, furniture, and musical instruments.

Zebrawood

Also called Zebrano, this exotic wood is found in West Africa. It is light brown or cream coloured and has a coarse texture. The wood is rated as durable and resistant. It is used for veneer, furniture, boatbuilding, and tool handles.