Okoume Lumber

Okoume Lumber for Sale

Okoume comes from the rainforests of West Africa. It grows mostly in Gabon, where the tall trees can reach high above the forest floor. The wood has been used for years to make plywood, panels, and light furniture. Now you can buy solid Okoume lumber boards for your own shop work.

What Okoume Wood Looks Like

Okoume has a warm color that ranges from pale pink to a light salmon brown. The color often deepens a little as the wood ages. The grain is mostly straight, but you will also see some wavy or interlocked grain that gives it a nice shine.

The surface has a fine, even texture. It takes a finish well and shows off a soft glow once it is sealed.

How Hard and Heavy It Is

Okoume is a light wood. It weighs less than many hardwoods, so big boards stay easy to lift and move. The Janka hardness is low, which means it is soft and simple to cut and shape.

Because it is soft, it can dent if you bump it. Keep that in mind for parts that get a lot of daily use.

Good Projects for Okoume Boards

Okoume is a favorite for furniture and cabinets where light weight matters. It works well for cabinet doors, drawer parts, shelves, and panels. Boat builders have used it for years too, since the wood is light and holds up to shaping.

The straight grain makes it easy to mill into clean, flat boards for all kinds of woodworking.

Tips for Working with Okoume

Okoume can have a bit of silica in it, so it dulls blades faster than you might expect. Keep your tools sharp and touch them up often as you cut. Sand with the grain and step up through finer grits to get a smooth top before you add a finish. Test your glue on a scrap piece first, since the open grain can soak up more than you plan.